With the holidays upon us, it’s a difficult time for many across our community. It’s not all Christmas Prawns and bubbles to share with friends, chosen family, and loved ones. This time of year can be isolating and difficult for many. One New South Wales-based service that supports all Australians has reason to celebrate. It is commemorating one year of providing a vital service it runs for those in our community impacted by conflicts around the world.
As Australians take in refugees from all over the world, we must remember that a lot of them are fleeing persecution and horrific circumstances, and organisations like NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) are an essential part of helping those affected for over the past 35 years.
Specifically, this holiday season, their ‘Witness to War Hotline’ marks its first year in service with many milestones, including:
• Over 860 calls answered by their team of compassionate mental health practitioners and bicultural support workers.
• 800-plus people from diverse backgrounds across Australia received support.
• Eight languages spoken by our staff and facilitated by interpreters, ensuring no one is left unheard.
Jorge Aroche, CEO of STARTTS said “We are incredibly proud of the impact the Witness to War hotline has made in its first year.
“With ongoing conflicts escalating overseas, and many Australians having family and friends directly affected, access to this critical service is more important than ever.”
Providing a Connection During the Holidays
The Witness to War hotline understands that the holiday season can be a difficult time for those carrying the weight of witnessing war. The hotline will remain open during the holiday period outside of public holidays (25 December, 26 December, 30 December and 1 January), offering our usual operating hours of 10am – 7pm AEDT.
“The holidays can be a bittersweet time, filled with both joy and reflection. For those impacted by overseas conflict, it’s a period that can amplify feelings of isolation and distress,” Mr Aroche added.
“The Witness to War hotline is here to offer a connection, ensuring that support is accessible even during the festive season. We understand the unique challenges faced by those who have witnessed war, and we’re committed to providing a safe space for healing and recovery.”
If you or someone you know has been affected by overseas conflict, the Witness to War hotline is here to help. Call for free and confidentially on 1800 845 198.
To help continue the incredible work of STARTTS, you can also consider donating to the organisation via its official website. https://www.startts.org.au/donate/
Donations over $2 are tax deductible in Australia only.
Photo: Flicker/rvjak
Robert is the founder of AustralianSenior.com.
He studied Journalism and Marketing at USC and TV Presentation at NIDA. He is passionate about advocating for seniors and presenting non-biased, fact-based news to enable those over 50 to thrive in an increasingly complicated digital world. He covers all areas of life and style, from pop culture to the economy and travel to events. If it's worth reading, it's worth writing about.
He loves to travel the globe and is a recently diagnosed, late-in-life Type One Diabetic.