The Transcultural Mental Health Centre works with refugee communities and health professionals to support the mental health of refugees across NSW. Follow the links below to find out more about our work with refugees and to view our resources to assist those working with refugees.
'Finding Freedom in Sharing Our Stories' Video Resource
The ‘Finding Freedom in Sharing Our Stories’ video resource, developed by the NSW Transcultural Mental Health Centre (TMHC), explores the theme of ‘Finding Freedom’ chosen for Refugee Week 2023 – 2025.
‘Finding Freedom in Sharing Our Stories’ explores what ‘Finding Freedom’ means to refugees who’ve embarked on diverse journeys to find freedom and safety, informs us about the many challenges they have endured and continue to face, as well as provide an insight into the many contributions made by refugees to our community.
From Australia to nations across the globe, settling into a new environment after experiencing the perils of a refugee’s journey is challenging and difficult, no two stories are the same. The journey can also provide the opportunity to live, love and dream. We hope this video captures that spirit. We would like to extend a very special thank you to the participants who have generously shared their experiences and provided insight into this and the Western Sydney Local Health District, Multimedia Unit for their support in the production of this video.
This video was developed by the Transcultural Mental Health Centre's 'Capacity Building in Strengthening the Mental Health of New and Emerging Refugee Populations'. This program works collaboratively with communities and service providers to strengthen and support the wellbeing of new and emerging refugee populations. The program has two components that work in tandem: building community capacity and building capacity within mental health services.
Refugee Council of Australia
The Refugee Council of Australia has produced a range of downloadable resources for Refugee Week, including a poster, customisable CANVA resources, Refugee Week logo, resource kits and information about using a Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country at your Refugee Week Events. The resources can be viewed and downloaded here.
Multicultural Health Communication Service
On World Refugee Day 2023, MHCS held the Engaging Effectively with Refugee Communities Forum to highlight the importance of promoting access, equity, and preventative health care. The forum showcased new multilingual health resources to support those working with refugee communities.
STARTTS - NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors
STARTTS is a key partner in Refugee Week celebrations and organises the annual NSW Humanitarian Awards given out at the NSW launch of Refugee Week every year. Visit the STARTTS Refugee Week page here.
NSW Refugee Health Service
The NSW Refugee Health Service aims to promote the health of people from a refugee background living in NSW by assisting refugees and the health professionals who work with them.
www.swslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/refugee
Refugee Trauma & Recovery Program - UNSW Sydney
The Refugee Trauma and Recovery Program (RTRP) is a research program, within UNSW Sydney, dedicated to understanding the psychological and neurobiological effects of refugee trauma and pathways to recovery. Contact RTRP directly at: [email protected] or 0477 407 752
www.rtrp-research.com
Mental Health Community Living Supports for Refugees
A community-based program located in seven Local Health Districts (LHDs) that provides support for refugees and asylum seekers with mental health issues to live and participate in the community in the way that they want to. Click here for a list of local providers.
NSW Multicultural Centre for Women's and Family Safety
The Centre promotes culturally appropriate, evidence-based and community informed responses to domestic, family and sexual violence in NSW, including in regional and rural areas. www.ssi.org.au/our-services/domestic-family-violence/safety-centre
STARTTS - NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors
STARTTS provides culturally relevant psychological treatment and support, and community interventions, to help people and communities heal the scars of torture and refugee trauma and rebuild their lives in Australia.
www.startts.org.au
Settlement Services International (SSI)
SSI is a community organisation and social enterprise business that supports newcomers and other Australians to achieve their full potential.
Phone: 02 8799 6700
Email:[email protected], Website: www.ssi.org.au
Refugee Council of Australia
The Refugee Council of Australia is the national umbrella body for refugees and people seeking asylum and those who support them.
www.refugeecouncil.org.au
Specialist Refugee Team for refugee students and their families
The Refugee Student Counselling Support Team offers psychological expertise to schools to support refugee students and their families.
education.nsw.gov.au/student-wellbeing/counselling-and-psychology-services/school-counselling/refugee-teams
Asylum Seekers Centre
The Asylum Seekers Centre provides practical and personal support for people living in the community who are seeking asylum.
https://asylumseekerscentre.org.au