STARTTS provides an holistic range of services which have evolved in response to client needs, and include:

• culturally appropriate counselling and therapy (for individuals, families and groups);
• physiotherapy and bodywork, including individual sessions, pain management groups and hydrotherapy programs;
• group work, including self-support groups, English and craft classes;
• activities for young people, including camps, excursions and groups;
• assistance in seeking employment and training;
• referral and case management;
• community liaison and consultation;
• community development projects;
• training of mainstream service-providers in awareness of refugee issues and strategies to work with this client group;
• lobbying and advocacy on refugee issues; and
• research.

From the outset STARTTS has employed bicultural staff with strong community links, and has been committed to providing services appropriate to the many different cultures which comprise its client group. It also consults regularly with refugee communities about needs and the development of appropriate services.

STARTTS provides a very client focused service which is constantly changing to meet client needs, and recognises the need for different approaches and services for different individuals and communities.

STARTTS also works closely with other service-providers to develop partnerships to meet the needs of refugees.

Statewide service

STARTTS is a statewide service and is committed to extending access to specialised torture and trauma rehabilitation services. This is achieved through an outreach strategy which combines direct services on a sessional basis with training, support and consultancy to mainstream health services in other areas of metropolitan Sydney and regional NSW.

Library

STARTTS also has a library containing books and articles on torture and trauma, human rights issues and relevant State and Federal government policy issues, which is available for use by appointment. 

Click here for more information on the Library.