Miscellaneous
Áine chats with Dor Akech Achiek, Settlement Services Manager at Settlement Services International about how the Covid lockdowns are impacting the mental well-being of the refugee community in Australia. Dor was 4 years old when his family left South Sudan running from the war, rocket propelled grenades, cheating death to spend 9 years in a refugee camp in Kenya. He left the camp for Australia when it was under attack from local bandits looting whatever supplies were left. Dor speaks about how Covid lockdowns have affected those in the refugee community, and the impacts of new trauma that may trigger a relapse in mental health and the importance of seeking help. He discusses the cultural taboos that prevent people in his community from talking about what is troubling them for fear of being perceived as weak or mad. As a man, he said, it is very hard to speak up as we are supposed to the warriors and strong. Dor says that he has had to put himself first and build resilience, prioritise his health and education first so that he can then take care of others. In his role with Settlement Services International he has worked as a liaison between the Police, Military and community leaders to improve communication so that refugee communities can receive the support and information they need. Dor was involved in the development of the app #ChatStarter which can assist parents, family and communities in starting conversations about well-being. Transforming Perceptions, bringing you news, views, updates and information from the lived and living perspective, community, multicultural and mainstream mental health sectors; and music from round the world.