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The Brotherhood of St Laurence’s Youth Program works with young people aged 15-25 to support them to access education and employment support through one to one or group coaching. They also run social inclusion activities and civic engagement activities, such as workshops and camps.
Recognising that many of their clients are not literate in their first language, CatholicCare in Toowoomba worked with the local Primary Health Network and the local hospital and developed audio translations of key restriction updates and health information. These were then distributed to service providers, and widely shared through Facebook and WhatsApp. The audio resources have made it much easier for service providers to communicate with clients. As a result of the information being in a format that is more accessible, and shared through mediums client groups already frequently accessed, the local community has a better understanding of the pandemic and current health advice.
In July 2020 Women’s Safety NSW released their report ‘Impact of COVID-19 on Migrant and Refugee Women and Children Experiencing DFV’.
MYAN NSW has taken a youth-led approach to adapting its work during COVID-19. They have been running a range of youth-led activities, including online games, facilitating social connection between youth, meditation and yoga sessions, and consultations with young people to understand how young people are feeling at this time. The youth at MYAN NSW have been instrumental in supporting the organisation to use new technologies, and a key lesson learnt for MYAN NSW is the value of employing young people.
In response to community concerns about social isolation during Coronavirus, Multicultural Australia launched the Culture of Connection social media campaign. The campaign invites people and organisations to share their stories and experiences through Coronavirus, so that people could remain connected online while experiencing physical distancing and various lockdown restrictions.
Multicultural Youth SA’s ‘Mum and Bubs’ Program includes direct service provision and community capacity initiatives in metropolitan Adelaide. The program includes Circle of Security Training – an early intervention parenting program designed to enhance attachment security between parents and children.
Melaleuca Refugee Centre’s Family Harmony Program provides a series of workshops and activities that support families as they adjust to their new community and life in Australia. The workshops are complemented by more informal group activities, and one on one mentoring. Central to the success of the program is its strengths-based community development model.
Chinese Australian Services Society (CASS) supports elderly people in Sydney by navigating language barriers and building social networks through their Senior Activity Groups. During COVID-19, CASS has continued this important work to provide social support for newly arrived migrants and their families.