FORGOTTEN Australians have met to discuss welfare services that can help them overcome the trauma of their past.The meeting at B-Central on Saturday discussed Open Place, a new support service for survivors of institutional “care”.Jean Adele, who did not want to use her real name, said the meeting was attended by about 20 of the 100,000 Forgotten Australians thought to live in Victoria.Ms Adele was a ward of the state for six years in Bendigo.She said it made a difference to have the meeting hosted by someone who was also a Forgotten Australian.“The meeting was about Open Place letting us know what our rights are and telling us what support services, counselling, skills and health training were available.“It was good knowing we have people fighting for us that are able to meet with people in authority to let them know exactly what we need.”Forgotten Australians are aged in their 30s or older and experienced life in an orphanage, home or other facility.Most of them were placed into care as children because of poverty or social disadvantage.A single parent, a background of domestic violence or parental alcoholism were also criteria. Children were often abused or neglected in the institutions.Ms Adele said it was good to meet people from the region who had endured experiences that were similar to her own. I have a partner and family, but some others don’t, and their existence might not quite be as good as mine is now. These services are especially beneficial to them. There is certainly light at the end of the tunnel.”Ms Adele said any Forgotten Australians in the region were welcome to attend a regular meeting.The meetings are held on the last Saturday of every month at 1pm, and feature a free light lunch.The venue is the Chutzpah Factory, 198 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo.Visit www.openplace.com.au or call 1800 779 379.