In less than 100 words, what is your idea?:
Community organisations and service providers can match newly arrived refugees with volunteer local individuals and families of similar ages or interests. The locals can become a source of "local information", advice and support about day to day issues, the kinds of things that we often take for granted, like where to get a set of keys cut, what makes a good packed lunch for a school child, how long homework should take a primary school student, how to swim safely in the surf etc. The locals are volunteers, and nominate themselves. Service providers can then make a "match" between buddies.
What is the social need or challenge your idea could address?:
Social isolation and adjusting to life in Australia after time spent in refugee camps or immigration detention is a real issue for refugees. Refugees arriving in Australia are able to access job support services and are often supported by the earlier arrivals from their own community, but find it difficult to find family and social support from within the local community, and are often too shy or embarrassed to ask for help. Community service providers find it difficult to address the social isolation of their clients, while other community members are not sure how to offer their assistance at a personal level.
What’s really new about your idea?:
It connects people at a personal level, rather than through programs and institutions, and promotes real engagement, learning, and relationships in the community. By asking for the established locals to volunteer, it encourages a grass roots community interaction, and creates a sense of genuine welcome for the refugees.
Comments
Re: Refugee Buddy
Re: Refugee Buddy
Re: Refugee Buddy