Education/ vocational pathways: FLN’s clients are often
highly motivated to gain meaningful employment and
pathways to employment enquiries including further
vocational studies (e.g. hairdressing, sport coaching,
dress making and beauty therapy) as well as assistance
sought with overseas skills recognition (e,g midwifery
and nursing) were common during the year. The RSP
worker provided referral to internal FLN education programs and general individualised pathways assistance
including support with the completion of applications
and follow up with education providers on behalf of
client
Knowledge about legal rights and obligations are fundamental to successful settlement and legal issues are a
constant factors for clients seek assistance .
Lack of knowledge of consumer rights, dealing with issues of fines, late payment fees and the debts that can accrue all contribute to entrenching financial and other disadvantage. Our work in this field involved referral to legal
services, provision of information and in supporting the client to either contest fees/fines or identify the most suitable and affordable payment options.
We referred extensively to the Fitzroy Legal Service and financial Counselors.
Health, including mental Health and trauma related issues can be significant
amongst the refugee communities in particular. Throughout the year we
referred to community health centres/medical practices that specialise in
refugee health and which provide access to interpreters/translators.
Thank you to our volunteers Shoya Shrestha, Benjamin Woollard, and intern Shane Bell.
Amandine Baillet, Refugee Support/Volunteer Coordinator
15