The new national service is available in Burmese, Farsi, Dari and Arabic languages and is the first of its kind in New Zealand - providing language and culturally appropriate telephone based counselling support to refugees and their families. The service will help to address the many challenges and problems associated with the settlement process.

Refugee Lifeline is a joint venture between Refugees as Survivors (RASNZ) New Zealand Trust LifeLine Auckland (a volunteer division of Lifeline Aotearoa)

This service will be free and can accessed from anywhere in New Zealand.

A significant proportion of refugees have suffered from physical or mental torture and many will have survived war and famine - all have experienced the trauma of the loss of family & friends, their possessions, their homeland and their culture.

As a result of their horrific experiences, many refugees may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression or an adjustment disorder related to their refugee experience.

The new Refugee LifeLine service will be primarily staffed by RASNZ community facilitators who have undertaken LifeLine Auckland’s extensive telephone counselling training course.

Refugee LifeLine will provide the vital link between people from similar cultural backgrounds and through supporting individuals and migrant communities, will contribute to the future development of a rich and varied multi-cultural New Zealand.

Numbers to call:

Burmese: 0800 88 66 45

Farsi/Dari: 0800 88 66 46

Arabic: 0800 88 66 47

Ends

For more information or for an interview opportunity contact:

Anil Thapliyal, LifeLine Auckland   anilt@lifeline.org.nz   tel: 021 781515

Gary Poole, RAS New Zealand  gary@aucklandras.org.nz  tel: 09 270 0870
 

Background Information

About Refugees as Survivors (RAS) New Zealand…..

RAS was established in 1997. Its mission is to ensure that refugees and people with related backgrounds will have access to quality, culturally-responsive mental and general health services to assist positive resettlement in New Zealand.

Visit www.aucklandras.org.nz for more information

About LifeLine Auckland…..

LifeLine Auckland was established in 1965 and provides professional and confidential services offering counselling, support and information for people with emotional wellbeing or mental health issues.
Visit www.lifeline.org.nz for more information