Two weeks ago, we shared the story of Yasmin, the focus of this year’s Winter Appeal. Yasmin, an asylum seeker in Australia, received urgent support from the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), including food and emergency housing. However, the real turning point came when Yasmin met the nurses at the ASRC Health Clinic. A doctor herself, Yasmin faced numerous mental health challenges, worsened by trauma and the ongoing uncertainty caused by the harsh policies of the Federal Government. She was referred to a counselor, marking a crucial step in her recovery.
Today, we offer a deeper look into Yasmin’s story through the words of Brianna, a Community Health Nurse and the Mental Health Services Lead at ASRC. Brianna explains the importance of your support and why your compassion is needed now more than ever.
Mental Health Services at ASRC: A Growing Need
Brianna says the demand for mental health services at ASRC has surged dramatically in recent months. Many of the people seeking help have been living in Australia for more than a decade—12, 13, even 14 years—without access to work rights, Medicare, or the ability to reunite with their families. This prolonged uncertainty has taken a severe toll on their mental health.
“Living under such stress is unsustainable,” Brianna explains. “The support we offer is essential to helping these individuals manage their mental health and rebuild their lives.”
The Unique Mental Health Challenges for Asylum Seekers
While mental health challenges affect everyone, they are particularly difficult for asylum seekers. According to Brianna, mental illness can make simple daily tasks, like working or studying, feel overwhelming. It can lead to isolation and affect overall wellbeing. For asylum seekers, the situation is even more dire.
“Without access to financial support or family assistance, and with limited resources, seeking help becomes much harder,” Brianna notes. “The cost of healthcare and cultural stigma can make it difficult to find the right services. That’s why it’s vital to offer culturally sensitive and accessible mental health support.”
Why Your Support Matters
Brianna emphasizes that your donations are crucial to providing asylum seekers with the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
“Your support allows us to provide essential services that keep people safe, connected, and supported during incredibly challenging times,” Brianna says. “The ASRC receives no government funding. It’s only through the kindness of donors like you that we can continue to offer these life-changing services.”
Mental Health Services Provided by ASRC
The ASRC’s Mental Health Team provides a range of essential services, including mental health assessments, suicide risk evaluations, treatment recommendations, referrals to psychiatry and psychology, welfare checks, and support in liaising with GPs and crisis services.
By using a trauma-informed, strength-based approach, ASRC helped Yasmin secure stable housing, food security, and ongoing healthcare. With the support of the Employment Team, Yasmin also found her first job in Australia. Starting at a café, she now works as a cleaner. However, her ambitions don’t stop there.
“One day, when my mental health is strong enough, I hope to return to my profession and practice as a doctor again,” Yasmin shares. “Looking after others is a responsibility I take very seriously, and I’m committed to being ready when that time comes.”
Your support helps ensure that more stories like Yasmin’s can have a happy ending. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most.
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