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There are many Tamil speaking refugees and asylum seekers (TRAS) mainly from Sri Lanka following end of civil war in 2009, living in NSW mainly in Western Sydney. Most of them suffer
from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and unfortunately are isolated from their families and sadly from mainstream community in Australia too. Their lives are in limbo, and they have uncertain future. The suicide rate among this cohort is very high.
The majority have undetermined residency status. As a result they are unable to access support services such as Medicare and Centrelink benefits and, some even do not have the right to work in Australia. All this combined intense social isolation has inevitably led to a massive increase in mental health issues, substance abuse and domestic violence.
Naturally what follows is the stigma that is attached which
further intensifies the worsening of this situation. Hence the
vulnerable TRAS community is hesitant to seek help. 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 help break down these social barriers so that refugees can take the necessary steps towards managing their own health and well being
TRACK (Tamil Resettlement And Community Konnect) was
established in November 2020, to ensure people of Tamil heritage resettling in Australia are supported by the Tamil community in a culturally safe manner.
Tamil Companion program is the main focus of the volunteers In response to the increasing psychosocial issues and suicidal rate. In partnership with Anglicare and STARRTS (Service for the treatment and rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors)
A Whats app group has been created to enhance the connectedness and for information sharing. In addition to this TRACK has been assisting the vulnerable group in the following means;
- Emergency food relief
program during COVID pandemic - COVID awareness
initiative such as regular zoom meetings, distribution of informative
brochures and COVID