Bennelong Foundation, through its Pitch In event is proud to fund #Headstart, a project delivered by NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) to engage newly arrived refugee young people largely from Iraqi and Syrian backgrounds and offer them weekly program (Fridays, 4-7 pm) covering homework assistance, Job Club and psychosocial support activities including exercise, art activities and mental health literacy. It also engages local volunteers including those from Iraqi and Syrian communities themselves who were either born in Australia or arrived when they were very young. This will provide the program participants with linguistically and culturally appropriate assistance and access to successful role models.
STARTTS is a specialist, non-profit organisation that for 30 years has provided culturally relevant psychological treatment and support, and community interventions, to help people and communities heal the scars of torture and refugee trauma and rebuild their lives in Australia. STARTTS also fosters a positive recovery environment through the provision of training to services, advocacy and policy work.