Projects and Activities - Phoenix Centre

An Invitation to participate in an exciting project!

Culture, Trauma & Rural Health

National Suicide Prevention Strategy Project

There has been a growing concern about the risk of suicide and suicidality within culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, especially in the light of significant increases in the numbers of people arriving in Tasmania as refugee and humanitarian entrants. It has been postulated that the pre-arrival and settlement experiences of these groups may make them particularly vulnerable to a range of mental health problems, including suicide.

An analysis of the Phoenix Centre client histories and consultations with community groups have indicated that suicide risk has been increased where people have experienced extreme interpersonal isolation associated with their dislocation from their countries of origin, exhibited serious mental health or health symptoms, and were difficult to engage. Unemployment, financial hardship, racism, family conflict and breakdown, intergenerational conflict and lack of control over lives, drug and alcohol use and family violence have all emerged as concerns among the African communities. Older migrants are facing another range of concerns, especially as they reach late life tasks.

In the light of these concerns, a partnership has been formed between the Mental Health Team of the University Department of Rural Health based in Launceston, and the Phoenix Centre, the specialist service for survivors of torture and trauma, based within the Migrant Resource Centre (Southern Tasmania). Funding has been received from Department of Health and Ageing under the National Suicide Prevention Strategy which will enable the two organisations to work collaboratively to achieve the project objectives.

The primary goal of this project is to increase the capacity for prevention, intervention and postvention management of suicide-related crises in refugee and other vulnerable migrant communities and associated support services in Tasmania.

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FICT - Families in Cultural Transition

The Families in Cultural Transition (FICT) program commenced in NSW in the mid nineties. This was in response to service providers identifying a need for migrant and refugees to be involved in a structured program to assist with their transition into Australian society. The program is based on a group work model and utilizes variety of methods to engage the participants.

The program is divided into ten modules and the group meets once a week.

Each module has a separate topic, including support systems, families, gender, youth and trauma. In short the participants have the chance to discuss the main issues that are impacting on their settlement. It is within this context of shared experience that many people begin to seek a greater understanding of the obstacles that confront them. In Hobart the first FICT programs commenced in 2007 and included a mixed group from Elizabeth College and a Burundi group. These groups proved very successful and subsequent funding from FACSIA has enabled the program to provide four more groups - 2 for adults and 2 for young people - in the next eighteen months.

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African Elders Group

This is a group for older Africans, people who are either over 50 years old or who are grandparents.

The group meets every fifth Wednesday from 1pm in the Acacia room.

The group provides an opportunity for people to meet socially and to participate in informal discussion on a topic of relevance chosen by the group.

Guest speakers present on health and related issues.

Interpreters are present to facilitate communication between different groups. New members are most welcome. Transport to and from the meetings is available on request.

Invitation to African Elders Meetings

  • Wednesday 18th June 2008
  • Wednesday 2nd July 2008
  • Wednesday 6th August 2008
  • Wednesday 12th September 2008
  • Wednesday 16th October 2008
  • Wednesday 19th November 2008

Where: Migrant Resource Centre, Acacia Room

49 Molle Street, Hobart

Time: 2pm to 4pm

Transportation to and from the Migrant Resource Centre is available. Please call Stephanie or Ann on 6221 0999 for transport or for more information.

ALL WELCOME

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Raising Children in Australia

Raising Children in Australia - A resource kit for early childhood services working with parents from African Backgrounds.

The resource kit comprises a Guide for early childhood services working with parents from African backgrounds; and a DVD for parents from African backgrounds with young children.

International Day Against Torture

In 2007 Phoenix Centre collaborated with Centrecare and Amnesty International to mark this significant day.

Join with us on 26th June, 2008

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