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Our speakers at Tuesdays meeting were from STARTTS (NSW Services for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trama Survivors). Specifically they were Ali Reid and Yazidi refugee Rasheed Shanibaqi. Ali was the first speaker giving an overview her past work with refugees in the Riverina and the work of her organization. STARTTS NSW Service for the treatment and rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors ... it is a part of the Rural and Regional services. STARTTS provides assistance to refugees and other people from refugee like backgrounds living in NSW who have experienced torture and other traumatic events prior to arrival in Australia. STARTTS mission is to facilitate the healing process of survivors or torture and refugee trauma and to assist and resource individuals in other agencies who work with them. STARTTS services provide a holistic range which have evolved in response to client needs and incorporate the latest development in the treatment of trauma. |
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Rasheed arrived in Wagga from Iraq in 2017, however his involvement with STARTTS officially began just a few days ago. He spoke of personal experiences and experiences of other refugees. Some of their services: culturally appropriate counselling and therapy, group work. Activities for young people including camps and trips. Referral and Case Management. Community liaison and consultation. STARTTS is responsive to changing client's needs and uses a multi-disciplinary approach. David Benn and David Pyke both related stories to the club in their involvement with refugees on a personal basis. President Darren thanked them for giving the members a well prepared overview of the STARTTS organization and presented them with gifts of local olive oil. |