"Young refugees face enormous challenges settling into Australia, fitting into school and generally building a new life in a new country.
This project helps break the isolation and provides mentees with a crucial link into the wider community.
It opens doors for them, so they can reach their full potential."
Andrew Coates,
Chairman and Mentor
To provide young refugees with supportive mentors, so that they can achieve their goals and reach their dreams.
What we do
Maximise the potential of young refugees;
Help a young person settle into the local community, by providing a support structure;
Assist with everyday activities, such as learning English, using public transport, studying and gaining employment; and
Create connections and promote harmony within the community.
While some of the young people who have been involved in The Helping Hand Project are long-term residents, the program has more recently responded to an increased need to mentor young refugees (between 13 and 21 years of age).
According to the Refugee Council of Australia, people aged less than 30 years old on arrival make up the significant majority and a growing proportion of new arrivals to this country under the Refugee and Humanitarian Program.
The Helping Hand Project is committed to providing participants with a meaningful one-on-one relationship with a mentor who is focussed on supporting them to reach their full potential.
