Tamil Resettlement And Community Konnect- Australia (TRACK-Australia)
Tamil Companion Project
Aim of the project:
• Help and support asylum seekers and refugees from Tamil speaking background who arrived in Australia after 2009 access community support networks.
• Provide support through early detection, prevention and treatment of psychological health issues, in particular suicide, drug, alcohol and domestic violence issues and crimes such as traffic offences, assault, theft and fraud.
• Provide additional support is areas such translation, navigation of the immigration process and overall help with communicating with organisations and community support networks to expedite matters relevant to their well-being.
• Prevent chronic diseases and the onset of complications. The project aims to achieve this objective by enabling identified individuals access on going medical treatment.
Background:
There are many Tamil speaking refugees and asylum seekers in Australia whose residency status has not been determined yet by the Department of Immigration. These refugees and asylum seekers are unable to access support services such as Medicare and Centrelink benefits. Additionally, many do not have the right to work in Australia. Often refugees feel isolated from family who are overseas and from the local community due to language barriers. The combination of all these factors has seen an increase in mental health issues, drug and alcohol abuse and domestic violence
Often there is a stigma attached to mental health issues within the community. This results in refugees’ reluctance to seek treatment regarding possible mental health issues. Alternatively, research shows that people respond positively to friendships and that social support networks play a central role in maintaining mental health. Therefore, having a friend to talk to helps break down these social barriers so that refugees can take the necessary steps towards managing their own health and well being
Mission:
Tamil Companion Project’s mission is to support, assist and improve the life and mental health of the Tamil speaking refugees and asylum seekers by providing one-on-one friendship and care through a volunteer companion
Volunteer Companion:
• Are over 18 years of age
• Can speak Tamil and come from all walks of life
• Are looking for a flexible volunteering opportunity that fits into their current lifestyle
• Can spare one hour per week/four hours a month
A Tamil Companion volunteer is a friend and listener, whom a Buddy can contact when needed. A Tamil Companion volunteer, will be matched in a one-on-one friendship with a socially isolated Tamil refugee or asylum seeker living with mental health or physical disability issues. They will meet in a public setting or talk on the phone on a weekly basis at a pre-arranged date and time. Regular contact will enable a real friendship and help build confidence and resilience for their buddy. A Companion may spend time having a chat over a cup of coffee or just enjoy a stroll in the park or help with translating documents. They choose how they wish to help as a friend. A Tamil Companion volunteer can refer a Buddy to third party groups such as community support groups and organisations to assist in getting them access to relevant services
Who is a Buddy:
Buddies are Tamil-speaking refugees and asylum seekers who arrived in Australia after 2009. They are over 18 years of age and have either mental health issues or physical disabilities. They are generally isolated from the local community due to language barriers and do not have access to services such as Medicare or Centrelink benefits. They are referred by their medical practitioners who also provide ongoing support to the program and success of the friendship program
Future Vision:
– Connecting with new communities with local communities to support isolated community
– Advocacy
– Assistance through Legal Aid
– Liaising and working with other community organisations such as Asylum seeker centre, Refugee council of Australia, SSI, STARTTS (NSW Service for treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma survivors), Transcultural Mental Health Centre.
You can be a companion or you can refer other people to be a companion.
For further details please contact us on tamilcompanion@gmail.com