Five ways to help refugees

Submitted by Rosalie Day on Fri, 08/24/2012 - 12:16

5 ways to help refugees to make the transition to successful settlement in Australia

Refugees who arrive in Australia and become part of our community need help and support to make the transition to successful settlement in a new country.

Around Australia there are many people who are befriending and helping refugees.

Here are five suggestions of things you can do:

1. Welcome refugees into our community

Welcome to Australia is diverse group of people who want to offer a warm, positive and dignified welcome to asylum seekers, refugees and other new arrivals. They have some great suggestions about how to do this through mentoring, talks and seminars and online activities.

2. Help out at a Homework Club

Volunteers with the Australian Refugee Association commit around 2 hours per week to work as tutors and mentors for high school students from refugee backgrounds to support them with school work and in learning English. Homework Clubs operate from 4 – 6pm Monday to Thursday. Teaching qualifications and experience are not necessary.

3. Volunteer in a settlement support program

Lutheran Community Care provides support for people from culturally diverse backgrounds including refugees in the metropolitan area and in Murray Bridge and the Riverland. They are looking for volunteers to help.

4. Provide practical support

Hills Circle of Friends is a group that has actively supported refugees and asylum seekers since 2002. They help asylum seekers in the process of gaining permanent residency in Australia. Activities include visiting refugees living in Inverbrackie Detention Centre and in the community, assisting with clothing, household goods and furniture, providing transport and offering friendship.