How You Can Help Refugees Near You

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What can I do?

There are many ways in which you can be directly involved with supporting refugees in New South Wales. Listed below are some of the many ways you can get involve with the work of the Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group (BMRSG). These range from writing letters which you can do from home or with a group to being part of our visitors program.

Whatever your skills or talents, there is a place for you to be involved. Please check out the options below and sign up if there is something that appeals to you.

Changing Hearts and Minds

We aim to widen public understanding of refugee and asylum seeker issues through:

Advocating for fair treatment of those seeking asylum through social media and main stream media,
Writing submissions and engaging with politicians,
Involving our schools and young people in a range of activities such as speakers, theatrical events and the Christmas ‘Welcome Shoesbox Project’.

Youth Shoebox Project

Amazingly in our seventh year of the Youth Shoebox Project with schools under pressure and an increased demand for our new Afghan arrivals, 426 shoebox gift packages were distributed, this is 8 more than in 2020.

See the Facebook page ‘Youth Shoebox Project ‘ for more pictures of the students, our volunteers ad deliverers.

Writing Letters

TAKE ACTION Write to your politician

From time we are asked to write to politicians. We offer guidelines and addresses to Senators and Members of the House of Representatives.

Writing Letters Read more

Join the BMRSG Writing Group

BMRSG Writing Group meets on the second Thursday of the month at 11 am at the home of Judy Reynolds in Leura. Members write to politicans on a current topic relevant to refugee issues. New members encouraged. Come when you can.

If you are interested contact socialmedia@bmrsg.org.au

Help with Events and Fundraising

In 2022 BMRSG is in contact with around 80 households, including 90 plus children. In the 2021-22 financial year BMRSG spend $150,930 on rental assistance plus we spent money on food support, medical costs and school costs etc.

One of the ways we raise these necessary funds is through fundraising events. We are always looking for people who can help organise events. When an event is scheduled we often ask for help with a variety of tasks such as, promotion, selling tickets, setting up venue, serving tea and coffee, helping on a stall, selling raffle tickets, etc.

If you would like to help with events please email secretary@bmrsg.org.au

Donations of Smart Phones and Laptops

BMRSG no longer collects and distributes furniture and clothing.
A huge thank you to our many volunteer drivers, offsiders and donors who made this service possible and to Adelaide, Julie Martin and others who have coordinated it previously.

We will continue to collect late model smart phones and laptop computers.

Smart phones should be not more than 5 years old. Apple no longer supports IPhone 6.

You can help by putting up a flyer or info sheet in your local shop or cafe, workplace or notice board.

If donating these, please either clear them or provide a password so we can clear them for you. Send to Robert at bmrsgphones@gmail.com

Laptops less than 5 years old with Windows 10. Contact bmrsgcomputers@gmail.com

Employ an Asylum Seeker

Asylum seekers, in their bid for protection and resettlement want what ordinary Australians desire – a fair go. They don’t want special treatment, they want an opportunity to make their own way and not be dependent on charity or government. If you can employ someone directly, or refer someone who may be able to offer employment please contact Refugee Employment on refugee_employment@bmrsg.org.au.

Become a Visitor

Visiting can be challenging. It demands a regular commitment and a high level of interpersonal skills and sensitivity. You will need to be a financial member of BMRSG, complete a Confidentiality Agreement and a Working with Children Check. There is a selection and induction process.

Community Visitors

Community visiting can be both rewarding and confronting. Visitors see refugees and asylum seekers who live in the community, usually in Western Sydney. Each household is different, so needs and support vary widely. At times this might mean simply befriending a family or an individual. At other times this might involve supplying basic food and household supplies, vouchers, lifts to medical appointments or organising furniture and bikes. The people we support often face hurdles with bureaucracy and need help tackling forms. Communicating with real estate agents/property owners and school, or organising repairs and appointments are things where we are frequently asked to help. Liaising with caseworkers and signposting people to other agencies who can provide support, is also a feature of the work.

A few visitors also volunteer to home tutor in English or other subjects.

If you are prepared to travel to Western Sydney and can respond flexibly to a wide range of ever changing needs, community visiting may suit you. There is a small contribution to travel expenses and arrangements for re-imbursement of costs, within agreed guidelines

DOWNLOAD: Community Visitor Guidelines

If you are interested please contact secretary@bmrsg.org.au for an informal discussion about the role.

Villawood Visitors

BMRSG Teams visit Villawood Detention Centre regularly. Like visiting in the community the role requires a sustained commitment in order to build trust. Visitors provide a friendly face, food, conversation and links to the outside world. At times you will need to be prepared to listen to some distressing experiences so a high level of self-care is also necessary. You will also be confronted with the high security demands of the prison-like environment.

For more information email secretary@bmrsg.org.au

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