A special delegation of eight Ukrainian Fellows visited WentWest this week to learn about Australia’s psychosocial mental health support and its support for people affected by war in their recovery journey.
Led by the NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS), the delegation also met with staff at Blacktown Medicare Mental Health Centre and will visit The Way Back and Gender Centre. As part of their three-month program, they will also travel to Newcastle and regional NSW.
The bi-yearly Fellowship was funded through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
WentWest Mental Health Programs Senior Manager, Emily Maroun said Australia’s mental health system is a strong example for community-delivered psychosocial support and multidisciplinary care.
“This was a powerful reminder that every mental health system is different— both strong and broken in its own ways. I deeply valued the opportunity created for mutual learning,” Ms Maroun said.
Fiona Archer, Contracts Coordinator for the STARTTS portfolio, said the delegation left a lasting impression on WentWest staff.
“They came to learn from us, but honestly, we ended up learning so much from them. Their strength and determination to create a sense of normalcy for the people they support is incredibly powerful. Even while living and working in the very same conditions as their consumers, they continue to turn up with care, commitment and a deep belief,” Ms Archer said.
To learn more about STARTTS, including the Witness to War Helpline and available services, visit https://startts.org.au/.
HealthPathways for Refugee and Migrant Health
Refugee Health – https://westernsydney.communityhealthpathways.org/300262.htm
In this section, you will also find:
Refugee Health Assessment in Adults