How you can support refugees
New Opportunities for Welcoming Refugees in Local Communities
Uniting Church congregations and faith groups have long been at the forefront of welcoming refugees to Australia. Now your congregation can take the next step and welcome newly arrived Afghan evacuees and other refugees referred by the UNHCR living in our communities. The Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA) allows us to do just that. The CRSA are looking for volunteers, individuals and groups, to be a part of their Group Mentorship and the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP) Programs.
Here’s how it works:
- Volunteers are groups of at least 5 adults who live near each other. The group offers support to a refugee household (The household is on a refugee or humanitarian visa with full access to Centrelink, Medicare, Work Rights etc.)
- The group volunteers 10+ hours of support per week between them.
- Group provides ongoing practical support as required e.g. social connection, assist with driving lessons, finding employment.
How to Get Involved
- Read more about the Group Mentorship Program on the CRSA website
- Contact Nicole (Turn on Javascript!) for a copy of the Group Mentorship Program application form.
- Share information about the CRISP program at the link CRISP: Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot - Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia. Attend an online public information session or watch the video to find out more.
A two-page guide for individuals/groups
Offer help Refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine through Afghan Culture Association of SA and Association of Ukrainians in SA
Contact SA Justice for Refugees to help deliberate advocacy.
Support a Circle of Friends group in your area or start your own
Join Synod Refugee Advocacy Group (Contact Convenor: Rev Paul Turley, Turn on Javascript! or Synod Justice Officer: Rev Dr Paul Goh, Turn on Javascript!)