Why is community development and capacity building important?
Community development and community capacity building activities are viewed as a critical component of ASeTTS systemic approach to working holistically with survivors of torture and trauma.
ASeTTS acknowledges that trauma impacts not only on the ability of individuals to participate in their community, but that collective trauma can also affect the community’s ability to support its members.
ASeTTS believes that community development programs, in partnership with the participating communities, strengthen communities by building social capital, social cohesion and connectedness.
ASeTTS community development and capacity building work follows the Co-Production Model.
Recent examples of ASeTTS partnerships with new and emerging communities include:
- Eritrean Community
- Latin American Communities
- Al Noor Arabic community in Ellenbrook
- Newly arrived Afghan Community
- Newly arrived Congolese community
- Newly arrived Burmese speaking community
- Newly arrived Arabic speaking community
- Palestinian community
ASeTTS runs educational, social and community-based groups aimed at strengthening the capacity, breaking social isolation and increasing clients’ participation in broader society. These groups (listed below) meet on a regular basis.
- Women’s Group (She Rises Women Empowerment Program)
- Men’s Group (Meaningful Engagement and Networking for Men)
- Community Innovators Volunteers and Leaders Project (CIVAL)
- Families In Cultural Transition Program (FICT) – delivered to newly arrived community groups
Other groups, projects and community capacity building activities are developed and delivered to address the identified needs of people, families and communities from refugee-like backgrounds.
For all enquiries, please contact ASeTTS’ Community Development Coordinator, on (08) 9227 2700 or by email here.
Current projects
Community Innovators, Volunteers and Leaders
CIVAL is an educational program that supports current and emerging community leaders to develop their leadership knowledge and skills, and explore how to help their community in a more effective way.
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Eritrean Community Project
The Eritrean Community Project, in collaboration with the Eritrean Community of WA.
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Families in Cultural Transition (FICT)
The FICT program helps people settle into their new communities by providing education and information about the new Australian way of life, so that they can adjust more quickly to their new home.
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Latin American Community Project
The project supports newly arrived and established Latin American community members to improve their wellbeing and form sustainable connections.
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Al Noor and Afghan Community Projects
This project supports the Al-Noor community with mental wellbeing and to feel connected to the Australian community.
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CIVAL Alumni and Mentoring Program
The CIVAL alumni project provides continued leadership development, post-course support, including master classes, networking events and a mentoring program.
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Meaningful Engagement and Networking for Men
The group supports adult men from refugee background who survived torture and trauma have sustainable social connections and are willing to access support to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
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She Rises Women Empowerment Program
The project aims to provide a safe, therapeutic space, fosters leadership skills, and facilitates connections within the community.
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