Improving the health and well-being of Armidale’s Ezidi youth will be the focus of a series of workshops being funded by a $50,000 State Government grant, with local STARTTS representatives Scott Martin, left, Salam Qaro, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Theresa Duggan and Rukia Modi.
Thursday, 23 June 2022
IMPROVING the health and well-being of Armidale’s Ezidi youth will be the focus of a series of workshops being staged over the next year, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $50,000 State Government grant to support the Service Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors’ (STARTTS) ‘Youth Directions’ program.
STARTTS is a not-for-profit organisation which provides culturally relevant psychological treatment and support, and community interventions, to help people and communities heal the scars of refugee trauma.
Mr Marshall said ‘Youth Directions’ was about giving Ezidi teenagers a voice on what they want their future in Armidale to look like.
“Armidale’s Ezidi resettlement program is one of the great humanitarian success stories in our region’s history,” Mr Marshall said.
“While lots of work has gone into facilitating a smooth transition into Australian society, refugee organisations have identified more effort is needed to support Ezidi youth who might be struggling to engage.
“STARTTS’ will soon be advertising to hire an Ezidi youth worker to assist local families with accessing additional educational and well-being support.
“That youth worker will also facilitate 40 workshops and two school holiday camps, aimed at breaking-down cultural barriers and encouraging greater social connected-ness though sport, recreation, arts, and cultural activities.
“Youth-leadership is also a component, with plans to establish a dedicated youth council or youth advisory group, which will provide feedback on ways young Ezidi residents could be better supported.
“If these young people are going to live fruitful and fulfilling lives in our region, we need to step up now and provide them with the professional help and skills that will allow their active participation in society.”
Mr Marshall said he was working with STARTTS to explore funding options to have an Ezidi youth worker employed long-term.
“The trauma these young people have experienced fleeing war in their home country is unimaginable,” he said.
“Having a youth worker, that refugees know and trust, is a positive way we can identify and youth related issues early, and ensure they get the culturally sensitive help they need, when they need it.
“Personally, I would like to see funding allocated to this role permanently and I will continue to work with organisations like STARTTS and Northern Settlement Services on achieving that outcome.”
Youth workers interested in applying for the position can visit www.startts.org.au/jobs/