Core Concepts in Working with People from Refugee Backgrounds, 23 October 2025

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

🧠 Understand the Refugee Experience and Trauma Impacts

Gain insight into the causes and consequences of persecution, torture, and displacement — and how these experiences impact the brain, body, behaviour, and relationships across the refugee journey.

🌍 Apply a Trauma-Informed and Culturally Safe Framework

Learn how to work in ways that recognise cultural identity, promote safety, respect, dignity, and empower refugee clients through trust-building and strengths-based practice.

🏠 Recognise Resettlement and Systemic Challenges

Understand the barriers faced by refugees and asylum seekers in Australia, including visa status, access to services, and systemic inequities that influence wellbeing and service engagement.

🧩 Respond to Complex Presentations

Identify common trauma symptoms and associated issues such as grief, loss, anxiety, depression, somatic complaints, and interpersonal difficulties in refugee clients.

👂 Build Trust Through Safe and Respectful Engagement

Develop culturally appropriate communication and engagement strategies, including the sensitive use of interpreters and awareness of trauma triggers.

🧭 Maintain Clear Boundaries and Role Clarity

Learn to set respectful and professional boundaries that support both your effectiveness and the safety of the client, especially in high-need or high-risk situations.

⚖️ Manage Vicarious Trauma and Prevent Burnout

Recognise the signs of vicarious trauma and burnout, and develop sustainable personal and professional self-care practices to maintain wellbeing in this work.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This workshop is vital for anyone who interacts with refugees and asylum seekers, including:

• Social workers and counsellors
• Healthcare professionals
• Educators and community workers
• Volunteers and advocates
• Students pursuing related professions
• Invest in your professional development and make a lasting impact. Secure your spot today and become a catalyst for positive change.

FORMAT AND INCLUSIONS

• ✅ Online and in-person delivery
• ✅ Facilitated by an experienced trauma-informed practitioner
• ✅ Includes interactive activities, real-life scenarios, and skill practice
• ✅ Claim 6 CPD points
• ✅ Receive a certificate of completion
• ✅ Receive a PDF of the workshop slides

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Payment of the registration fee is online by credit card and a receipt/confirmation will be automatically emailed to you. An administration fee of $30 applies to all cancellations made more than 14 days the day before the start of the event. Registration once paid cannot be cancelled 14 days or less the day before the start of the event, regardless of personal circumstances. Registration can be transferred to another delegate only if STARTTS is informed of the name change. Registration cannot be transferred to another workshop. The concession price is for full-time students, seniors and the unemployed. A photocopy or pdf of a valid concession card must be forwarded to the STARTTS training team upon registration. Registrations will not be confirmed until full payment is received. The deadlines for the early bird and standard prices cannot be extended. Sometimes STARTTS will need to change the trainer of a particular workshop. The STARTTS Training Team can be contacted at stts-training@health.nsw.gov.au or (02) 9646 6700.