Dear Supporters,

Easter is almost upon us, and we hope you have a wonderful break to celebrate, but before we get there we wanted to send out a quick note on some things to look forward to for after the long weekend.

In this edition of our Quarterly e-news we have:

- information about how to refer to STARTTS

- new STARTTS brochures are available

- the Humanitarian Awards at Refugee Week are coming up, and

- even more events and training.

From all of us at STARTTS, have a happy Easter!

Richard Walker
STARTTS Public Affairs Coordinator

Refugee trauma and the stressors of resettlement can cause great stress, pain and fear, and impact on people’s health and everyday functioning. If you know or work with someone who is suffering from the effects of refugee trauma, STARTTS can help.

STARTTS accepts referrals from any source, including self-referrals, and it's very simple to do - here's what you need to know:

How to refer clients

Call - (02) 9794 1900 (Ask for Intake Counsellor)

Email - intakegeneral@startts.org.au

Fax - (02) 9794 1890

The referral form is available on the STARTTS website.

Requesting consent before referring

Consent must be obtained from all clients or the parent/guardian for clients 16 years and under. Explain services in a non-threatening way, e.g. “Someone to talk to about your worries and difficulties”.

How soon will we follow-up?

STARTTS has a managed waiting list and clients with the highest needs are prioritised. Most clients are allocated to a counsellor within 2-4 weeks.

What feedback will you get?

You will be notified when the client is allocated a counsellor. STARTTS will share relevant information only if the client gives consent.

When a referral is not appropriate

Refer clients in a crisis situation (e.g. psychotic disorders, suicide attempts) to your local mental health team or hospital emergency department.

For more information about referring a client, friend or even yourself to STARTTS, call us on (02) 9794 1900 or visit the STARTTS website.

All of this information, and more about what we do, can be found in our suite of new brochures. There are four brochures available - you can download them here:

Information for Service Providers

Information for Clients

Information for Schools

Information for GPs

If you would like hard copies of the brochures sent to you, please contact us.

 

Refugee Week is fast approaching (join us for the launch on June 14) and once again we’re asking you to acknowledge and celebrate people who you think have made an exceptional positive contribution towards refugee issues in NSW.

The STARTTS Humanitarian Awards provide a chance to further promote the hard work and achievements of both individuals and organisations in various fields that play a substantial role in improving the lives of refugees.

Nominate now!

In 2014, awards will be presented in the following categories:

Refugee community worker
Refugee supporter
Youth
Education
Government and Legal                
Media
Sport
Rural and Regional
Business
Best project

If you know someone who is making an outstanding contribution through their work with refugees or asylum seekers then give them the recognition they deserve by nominating them for a Humanitarian Award. Anyone can nominate, and anyone can be nominated!

Nominate online

OR

Download a Nomination Form

For more information, head to the Humanitarian Awards page on the STARTTS website and download an Info Pack.