Refugee Support Program
The Refugee Support Program has continued to support refugees from diverse backgrounds with their settlement in Australia. This year we have seen an increase in people accessing our service from Iran, Somalia and Afghanistan. Although we have continued to support many families, this year in particular we have noticed more young male asylum seekers in need of housing, education and employment.
We provide support to an average of seven people each day, that come in for counselling, family support, health concerns, housing support, Centrelink assistance, employment support and a range of other matters.
Similar to past years, most new clients are self referred and directed to FLN by friends and family. However, we are still receiving a consistent number of referrals from other agencies, such as Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre, The Connie Benn Centre and Homeground Housing Service. Often these referring agencies provide a similar service to FLN, but are not able to continue working with refugees after the five-year threshold. Settlement support networks, such as the Yarra Settlement Forum, have identified this post-five-year support as a significant unmet need within refugee communities settling in Australia. It is fortunate that FLN programs continue providing support to clients who have been in Australia for more than five years.
Special thanks to the PMF Foundation for their generous support in funding this program.
Our Women’ s Wellbeing program is grateful to again receive sponsorship from the Clifroy Community Bank, so we were able to continue this amazing program for another year. Therefore, the weekly wellness classes of yoga and dance continue to meet at FLN every Thursday from 12pm to 1pm. We have around eight to fifteen women who regularly participate. They come from countries such as Somalia, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Vietnam, China and Sudan.
These classes encourage improved health and happiness, through gentle and fun exercise. The project also gives marginalized women the opportunity to meet other women and build trusting relationships, in a positive social environment. All women are encouraged to come along and join in!
8 Fitzroy Learning Network Annual Report 2012 / 13