BUILD STRONGER, MORE CONNECTED REFUGEE COMMUNITIES
How can community development strengthen connection, participation and recovery for communities affected by persecution, displacement and refugee trauma?
Refugee communities bring significant strengths, knowledge, cultural resources and resilience to rebuilding their lives in Australia. However, persecution, organised violence, forced displacement and resettlement can disrupt social networks, community structures, trust and belonging.
Drawing on more than 35 years of STARTTS’ experience, this practical workshop explores how established community development approaches can be adapted to work effectively with refugee communities.
Through practical examples, case studies and experiential activities, you will learn how to work alongside communities to build on existing strengths, strengthen social connections and support community-led change.
WHY THIS WORKSHOP MATTERS
Community connection, cultural identity, participation and supportive social networks can play an important role in recovery from refugee trauma and successful settlement.
Effective community development requires an understanding of how trauma, displacement, cultural transition and resettlement can shape community relationships, participation and priorities.
This workshop combines community development theory with STARTTS’ extensive experience working alongside refugee communities to provide practical approaches that are strengths-based, culturally responsive and sensitive to refugee trauma.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Understand Refugee Trauma and Resettlement
Explore how persecution, organised violence, forced displacement and resettlement can affect communities, relationships and collective wellbeing.
Apply Community Development Approaches
Explore key community development frameworks and how they can be adapted when working with refugee communities.
Build on Community Strengths
Use asset-based approaches to recognise and strengthen the skills, knowledge, relationships and cultural resources within communities.
Strengthen Connection and Social Capital
Understand how trust, participation, belonging and social networks can support settlement, wellbeing and recovery.
Support Community Voice and Ownership
Develop approaches that promote genuine participation, collaboration, community leadership and community-led change.
Navigate Complex Community Dynamics
Explore practical strategies for working with cultural differences, disrupted trust, competing priorities and other challenges that can arise in community development.
Put Learning into Practice
Apply community development principles through practical examples, experiential activities and case studies relevant to work with refugee communities in Australia.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Designed for practitioners with a basic understanding of community development who want to strengthen their skills in working with refugee communities, including:
- Community development and community workers
- Social workers
- Settlement and multicultural workers
- Refugee and humanitarian service practitioners
- Community engagement and capacity-building workers
- Local government and community services staff
- Program coordinators and team leaders
Prior knowledge: Participants should have a basic understanding of community development principles.
FORMAT AND INCLUSIONS
- Online and in-person delivery
- Facilitated by an experienced trauma-informed practitioner
- Includes interactive activities, real-life scenarios, and skill practice
- Receive a certificate of completion
- Receive a PDF of the workshop slides
BRING THIS WORKSHOP TO YOUR TEAM
Would your team benefit from tailored, trauma-informed training? This workshop is available as an online and in-person in-house session (in-person available in Sydney only), customised to meet the specific needs of your staff, clients, or community. Visit our Request Training page for details on pricing, availability, and how to book.
Plan ahead: Due to high demand, we recommend submitting your request at least 6–8 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date. Empower your team with the confidence, skills, and cultural sensitivity to support refugee and asylum seeker communities effectively.
CONTACT US
stts-training@health.nsw.gov.au
(02) 9646 6700 Ask for the Training Administration Officer