Community Development and Capacity Building

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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Co-Design Consultations

Co-design forums inform future community projects and ensure that activities are relevant and responsive to community needs.

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Cook Like a Chef

Now in its second year, this six-week cooking program was delivered in partnership with celebrity cook Brendan Pang.

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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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Men’s Group

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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Women’s Group

ASeTTS’ Women’s Social Group provides a vibrant, trauma-informed space for over 65 women from 14 countries.

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Past projects

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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Families in Cultural Transition Program (FICT) – Spanish speaking community

FICT Spanish speaking community

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