Health
The ASRC Health Centre is the largest service of its kind in Australia. We provide a broad range of health services for vulnerable, at risk, community residing Asylum seekers. All ASRC Health services are provided pro bono to our clients, most of who have no income and are on Visas denying work rights and Medicare. Their complex health concerns require multiple consultations across a range of health disciplines.
Volunteer - Trish Phillips
"I have been working in the Health Program and while it has been challenging, disturbing distressing and frustrating at times I am very happy to be there. I enjoy meeting and getting to know people from many different cultures and have gained more understanding of their situations. I've also enjoyed working with other volunteers and staff and value the friendships that have developed."
Asylum Seeker - Helen
"I am from Ethiopia and I have been in Australia for 8 years. I am still waiting for a Protection Visa and have no income, work rights or Medicare. I have been a client of the Health Program for the past 2 years, and I very much appreciate the care and support I’ve received from the nurses, doctors, masseur and all the people involved here."
What We Do
The ASRC Health Centre is open five days a week. A Community Health Nurse is assisted by a locum Nurse and over twenty Health volunteers. Our clients' needs range from health emergencies to mental health concerns. Our clinical services include triage and nursing care, general practice, vaccinations, physiotherapy, massage, diabetes education, feldenkrais, shiatsu and acupuncture. Referrals among the ASRC health, counselling, psychiatry and casework programs ensure best practice. We also provide health promotion, education and information.
Pro-bono service arrangements and philanthropic funds allow us to provide our clients with medications as well as pathology, radiology and optometry services. Advocacy is a large part of our work which is essential for our clients gain access to external public service providers.