PEACE stands for Personal Education And Community Empowerment and is a service that works with people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, regardless of their visa status.
PEACE provides services that help individuals, families and communities to overcome barriers and achieve happy and healthy relationships.
Currently, PEACE Multicultural Services is funded to implement the following services:
- Blood Borne Viruses (BBV) Program: This service is designed to address HIV, Viral Hepatitis and sexually transmissible Infections (STI)
- Indaba SA: A program designed for women living with and/or at risk of HIV
- Gambling Help: A program that helps people who are at risk or are experiencing gambling harm, and those who are affected by someone else’s gambling problem
- Cambodian Gambling Help Service: a program specifically targeted towards the Cambodian community.
- The Good Life Project: An African-specific program designed to assist African communities in the prevention of family violence
PEACE Multicultural Services is a service of Relationships Australia South Australia. This means that all clients have access to a wide range of services.
- Other services at Relationships Australia South Australia
We are a team of highly qualified and professional counsellors and educators, who have exceptional knowledge and skills in how to respect cultures and incorporate it into the services we provide. The PEACE team understands what it is like settling into a new culture and the impact it can have on people and their families. Our staff will work with you to set your goals and a pathway to achieve it.
Our services are:
Free: We will not ask you to pay for any service you receive from us, nor will we charge your Medicare or health insurance accounts.
Confidential: We will never talk to anyone about your health status or other issues you are experiencing without your permission. We will also never gossip about you with anyone from your community or outside it.
Accessible: We use highly trained interpreters, either face-to-face or over the phone, to ensure that we fully understand your problems and circumstances. We also can provide our services at our centre, at a hospital/clinic or any other health service location, or even at your home.
Flexible: We tailor our services to suit your needs and circumstances, and we can work with other service providers to help you achieve the best outcomes possible.
We also work to promote cultural competency through the following activities:
- Diversity Training
- Accepting Students for Placement
- Volunteering Services
Do you need to refer a client? Please use our client referral form HERE or download our referral brochure HERE.
Client Services
Empowering you to be independent and to lead a healthy and productive life in Australia
PEACE Multicultural Services providers come from diverse cultural backgrounds and all have lived experience of migration to Australia. We understand settlement, cultural shock and other challenges that life in a new culture can bring. We all have tertiary qualifications and extensive experience in providing meaningful and culturally appropriate services to individual clients, couples and families.
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Collectively, we are professionals first—community educators, case workers, general counsellors, financial counsellors, family relationship counsellors and mediators. We all are fully aware of privacy and confidentiality, and this applies even if we link you to a worker who can speak your language or who comes from your community. Most importantly we have a ‘no closed-door’ policy, which means if we can’t help you, we will find someone who can.
We work with you to:
- Identify the issues that affect your life and the extent of your difficulties
- Build on your strengths and motivate you to develop a plan that is realistic and achievable
- Provide support, information and advice on emotional, financial, health, housing, and other social welfare issues to help you achieve your goals
- Assist you to solve your family problems so that everyone in your family can enjoy a safe and enriching life
- Assist you to access additional help from other services depending on your needs
- When required, coordinate the services that you need to access
- Regularly evaluate how you are progressing towards achieving your goals and help you to adjust your plans accordingly.
When you seek help from PEACE, we will provide you with extensive information about your rights and responsibilities and will help you to provide constructive feedback about the services you receive.
Your health and wellbeing are in your hands. Seeking help early stops things from getting out of control.
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Settlement Services
Making your settlement experience easier for you
Many new arrivals find Australian systems, laws and people’s attitudes significantly different from where they have come from. This difference may pose challenges, particularly when there is a health issue to deal with, such as mental health, sexuality matters, HIV, viral hepatitis and much more.
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Needing to deal with complex issues in a new country can put pressure on family relationships, especially in relation to couple relationships and parenting. Staff at PEACE are fully aware of the challenges new arrivals can face and can provide guidance and support to all people in need. We will work with you and collaborate with other services, if needed and with your permission, to enable you to negotiate your settlement experience successfully for the benefit of yourself and your family members.
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Group Work
Building a Network and a Supportive Environment for People with Shared Problems
When people share something in common in their lives, they connect. The thing they share in common can be an interest, a priority or a problem. PEACE believes in the ‘power of the collective’ and tries to build pathways for people to join up and work towards common aims or objectives. PEACE runs many groups for different communities but all have the same collective purpose and focus.
Participants in our groups have indicated many personal benefits; for example:
- Increased confidence and discovery of personal strengths and capabilities
- Increased knowledge of matters relevant to their physical and mental wellbeing
- Increased sense of connection and belonging, helping to reduce feelings of isolation and build a circle of friends (even beyond the group activities)
- Shared ideas of responding to common challenges, including accessing help services
- Opportunities to learn and develop, both personally and professionally.
Groups currently running include the following:
VOW (Voices of Women)
This is a network of women from all walks of life, backgrounds and experiences who come together, share their creativity and celebrate the spirit of freedom through connecting, learning and supporting each other.
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VOW works collaboratively to create events that provide opportunities for women to feel safe, connected and empowered. VOW also works to promote respect, celebrate the differences that enrich our collective talents, and enable women to grow through activities that promote knowledge and learning.
Each year VOW members come together to celebrate International Women’s Day. The celebration is full of fun and care for each other and so creates a great atmosphere.
Contact Group Coordinator Memoona for more information
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Indaba: Women Living with HIV
‘Women living with HIV’ is a support group specifically for women who are living with HIV.
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These women share the same issue in life, but their circumstances and situations may be very varied. Coming together as a group provides a base on which to build a supportive environment and network, to learn about recent research into the virus, to share knowledge and ideas about how to live a long and happy life. Many of the women attending the group have become powerful advocates and peer, supporters of other women, especially those who are newly diagnosed.
This is a closed group and new members can only join once an assessment is completed by the HIV women’s program counsellor.
Contact Group Coordinators Sandrine or Yasmin for more information
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Cambodian Women’s Group (Happy Happy Khmer Women)
Calling all Cambodian women — this group is for you! There is no age limit to be a part of this group and any Cambodian woman can join.
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Women come along and plan activities, information sessions, excursions and more. These women also share their ideas and experiences. It is a platform to empower, motivate and support each other while sharing similar cultural backgrounds, family circumstances and language.
Contact us for more information.
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UNIDOS
We are committed to supporting our members to establish a network of social contacts that will bring a sense of community. We trust that our programs and services can empower them to share experiences within a safe environment.
There are specific issues faced by CALD or SSA communities and individuals that can clash with certain cultural values. UNIDOS hopes to bring together these individuals and communities and provide them with information, support and engagement; while also breaking down social barriers and isolation.
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UNIDOS is available to SSA and CALD individuals, as well as their friends and families. We can also provide services to other service providers and relevant professionals.
UNIDOS offers access to:
- One-on-one support through either phone or email contact, where you can ask questions and discuss issues relating to cultural identity and SSA
- Information and educational sessions on positive health promotion
- Social events, art projects and group activities that provide opportunities for members to make positive social contacts and connect with each other in a fun and friendly environment
- Workshops and discussion groups related to SSA, cultural values, relationships, homophobia, sexuality issues and mental or physical wellbeing
- Training and raising awareness in the general community and with other service providers regarding SSA issues for people from multicultural backgrounds
- Services for friends and family members, in recognition, that SSA may affect your close friends and relatives and they may also need support.
Contact Group Coordinator Ben for more information
Join UNIDOS’s Facebook Group for discussions, events and information.
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Community Education
Empowering communities through knowledge
We believe that empowering communities starts with education — ‘knowledge is power’. We utilise different strategies to disseminate information that is contextualised to people’s life experiences and circumstances.
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Community education sessions, in addition to providing new knowledge that is based on recent research and science, creates opportunities for people to debate issues and address issues that are often considered to be taboo in many cultures. All this is done in a very respectful environment and non-judgementally.
We make flexible arrangements with communities and deliver education programs ranging from a half-hour to a full-day session. Topics can be directly related to what PEACE is funded to address, such as blood-borne viruses, viral hepatitis, sexually transmissible infections and gambling problems. They can also be on indirectly related issues, such as family conflict, family violence and mental health. We will always negotiate the program content with you before we deliver the session.
We can provide community education sessions related to:
- Risk of transmission and prevention of HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, any sexually transmissible infections (STI)
- Importance and benefits of testing regularly to ensure early diagnosis and prevention of serious health issues
- Seeking early care and treatment to maximise health benefits
- Chronic disease management strategies
- What is stigma? How does it affect help-seeking behaviours?
- What is gambling and what is the difference between recreational and harmful gambling?
- What is the difference between gaming and gambling?
- What does a gambling help service look like?
- How can the wider community help to address gambling problems?
- Role and responsibility of the gambling industry.
We can tailor a session to your needs — talk to us!
Please contact staff at PEACE multicultural services to arrange your community education session.
Contact Group Coordinators Memoona or Sumbo for more information
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Building Community Capacity
Empowering communities to solve their own social, emotional and health needs
We understand the role of communities in addressing health issues affecting them in ways that promote independence and ownership of ideas and solutions. When we take a collective approach in addressing issues, we have better outcomes.
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We recognise that building capacity is not an event, but a journey that starts with building trusting relationships and creating a supportive environment that respects the unique needs of each community.
It takes more than a single community education activity, or just providing information, to address all cultural and language barriers that people of CALD backgrounds experience. Our approach is tailored to support individuals who want to make a difference in their community for the benefit of everyone.
We work with leaders and interested individuals, including those with lived experience, to develop and implement projects that build community capacity.
Our customised services include:
- Educational programs that build health and social literacy skills, designed to encourage community involvement
- Being a voice for positive change that combats stigma and taboos by encouraging public conversation
- Training community champions/ambassadors and volunteers who will strengthen the community and train others
- Peer support programs to reduce reliance on services and capitalise on the power of individuals to make a difference for themselves
- Referral pathways between communities and services to create a networked environment for vulnerable people in need of help.
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Student Placements
Building the Capacity of the Future Workforce
PEACE Multicultural Services accepts students for placement through tertiary institutions, mainly universities.
Our priority is given to students who demonstrate a high level of interest in working towards building the capacity of a specific group/community within the culturally and linguistically diverse communities living in South Australia.
We offer a very supportive learning environment that suits people who can think outside the box and are resilient in challenging situations.
Fill out your expression of interest for student placements HERE.
Volunteers
Creating Opportunities for CALD People to Contribute and be Recognised for the Skills they Bring
PEACE supports and assists individuals, families and communities from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to lead balanced and healthy lives. Supporting increased awareness of problem gambling, HIV, sexually transmissible infections, viral hepatitis and related issues in multicultural communities.
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Offering information, education, advocacy, referral and support for individuals, families and their communities, PEACE provides clients support in their own language and
Valuing volunteers, PEACE recognises their contributions and commitment to making a positive difference to the community. We aim to provide our volunteers with a warm, friendly and professional working environment, and educational and learning opportunities.
As a volunteer, you will enjoy many benefits including:
- Free training and professional development courses
- Ongoing mentoring and support from PEACE staff members
- Preparation for employment in the community services sector
- Hands-on work experience
- Opportunities for developing and assisting in community projects with the support of PEACE staff members
- Experience in working with clients
- Working in a supportive environment with people who share a mutual passion for social justice and equity
- Experience engaging with people from diverse cultural backgrounds
- Access to educational resources
Volunteer Application Process
If you are interested in volunteering with us, please fill out the form, include your resume and cover letter and email them to e.oudih@rasa.org.au
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Workforce Development
Supporting the Workforce to Design and Deliver Culturally Meaningful and Relevant Services
It is well documented that refugees and migrants may be more vulnerable than the broader Australian population to some diseases and gambling problems due to many psycho-social factors. These may include issues such as their visa status and migration experiences, the challenge of being exposed to a new culture that may be perceived as significantly different to their previous experiences, loss of social networks, unemployment and more.
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At the heart of delivering our workforce development is a belief that all clients have the right to access services that provide a safe environment for them to learn, grow and make decisions that positively influence the way they live and function in Australia and specifically to help address health inequalities.
Our workforce development program is developed to support the learning needs of service providers within the health and welfare sectors.
Service providers who have benefited from our educational programs are those who work with newly arrived refugees and migrants, asylum seekers, temporary protection visa holders, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) people who are in custodial settings, same-sex attracted people, injecting drug users and international students.
Our program provides very flexible sessions, ranging from a one-hour presentation to a number of workshop days that are specifically designed to:
- Improve the way in which service providers engage and work with CALD individuals, families, groups and communities Hyperlink to cultural competency training further prevention of HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmissible infections amongst CALD communities, as well as to promote chronic disease management amongst people living with the virus
- Build capacity of service providers to screen for gambling problems and respond appropriately, in a culturally safe and meaningful way
- Build collaborative projects and referral pathways
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Resource Development
We develop educational tools to share knowledge and information about our services and programs to the wider community. PEACE is continually developing new resources and improving current ones to ensure that information reaches the target audience on multiple communication channels. We have done it all – from flyers, fridge magnets to videos and websites!
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We often use resource development as a process to engage in conversations within the community, this engagement leads to an exchange of information and knowledge that creates opportunities for us to understand how a resource can most benefit the community. Community participation in decision making also maximises the effectiveness of the resource and the promotion of it across all types of personal and professional networks.
We aim to create resources that fill a particular gap, especially as there are so many resources that have been produced on a regular basis across all states and in different languages.
We welcome the feedback of community members as well as other service providers in the sector to improve the quality and impact of the developed product. Hence, the outcome is meaningful and culturally appropriate.
Resources Developed by PEACE:
The ‘You are Not Alone’ website is a resource hub for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) individuals, families and communities who are affected by gambling problems.
Introduction video designed for CALD individuals and communities to tackle gambling problems and their effects.
The Indaba website offers practical information and resources for women living with HIV in South Australia, and for their service providers.
This video aims to support people in the community living with HIV and to help reduce stigma and discrimination. Together we can make a positive change.
- Together We Can Make a Positive Change Video
- Get Tested Campaign Videos:
Other Useful Resources and Links
Provides resources in different languages, in both an audio and written forms about blood-borne viruses. It provides information about services that can help with those issues.
Provide information about diverse health and wellbeing issues in different languages.
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Ben Yi
I am a community support and case worker at PEACE Multicultural Services. Being a Chinese migrant, I have been enjoying working with many community members from various ethnicities and cultural backgrounds as we have had many shared inspiring conversations, ranging from personal identities to associated challenges.
To me, the foundation of my work is about really understanding individual people through peer-support and finding unique ways of building connections.
I always remind myself that life is an interesting adventure as it gives us opportunities to explore what we see and how we see things differently through our journeys. In this sense, I always aim to be mindful of and okay with changes that may occur within myself or in my life. Be open, talk it out and stay positive.
Contact Ben
Seka Tith
I am a Khmer speaking Community Liaison Worker, my role is to increase awareness of gambling issues within the Cambodian community in SA. I also work with community groups, families and individuals to assist them in accessing gambling help services.
My job gives me a great opportunity to give something back to my community who are dealing with so many issues. Before I moved to live in Australia, I had experience working in the community education and development area in Cambodia. This work included working with vulnerable people and those who were financially stressed, especially women and children.
I was also involved in facilitating a research project on gender-based violence against women with and without disabilities as well as in providing HIV prevention and support services to entertainment workers in several provinces in Cambodia.
I completed my Masters in Disability at Flinders University in 2014 and I am currently working in another role to support people with disabilities.
I am very passionate about women’s rights and my current role with PEACE Multicultural Services is a perfect platform for me to empower Cambodian women.
Contact Seka
Enaam Oudih
I manage the Blood Borne Viruses Programs and Multicultural Services, I also teach at the Australian Institute of Social Relations (the registered training organisation at Relationships Australia SA).
I am an Arabic-speaking Australian of Palestinian background. I started my career as a registered nurse, then completed a post-graduate qualification in Public Health and Community Sector Management.
My work involves developing culturally appropriate programs to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse people and the development of culturally competent workforces. I also support relevant research through universities on national and local levels.
My heroes are many, some are famous such as Martin Luther King and Malala Yousafzai, and some are not famous but have taught me and/or influenced me so much. Amongst those out of the public eye are PEACE clients, volunteers and colleagues.
Learning about cultures and working with people from all walks of life is my passion, and it is the foundation of who I am today.
Contact Enaam
Issac Zangre
I am delighted to be part of the PEACE team and work as a Family and Community Support Worker. I am very passionate about community engagement.
Community involvement is helpful to be successful in life as it helps you connect with others, improves quality of life and strengthens communities. Most importantly is the intangible benefits of pride, satisfaction and accomplishment. It warms your heart in knowing you are giving back.
I truly enjoy what I do and the fact that I work to help the communities to have a good life. I am very grateful that the PEACE Multicultural Services understands the importance of giving back to the community in order to give them a better and healthy life.
Together with the PEACE team, I look forward to working with the community as we spread the word about living a good life.
My previous work involved connecting and advocating for our multicultural communities in the Northern suburbs. This inspired me to further my skills. I am also a Financial Counsellor and working to advance my skills in counselling and casework with the Australian Institute of Social Relations (the registered training organisation at Relationships Australia SA).
Contact Issac
Laura Adzanku
I have worked in the Community Services sector for over a decade and I currently work as a Community Support and Liaison Officer at PEACE within the Blood Borne viruses program. My liaison role is focused on community education and capacity building.
In this role, I have been successful in pioneering a number of community projects addressing health and wellbeing issues, prevalent within culturally and linguistically diverse communities, through community consultation and education. I have established advisory committees and campaigns that focus on addressing health issues, specifically on Hepatitis B and HIV.
Over the years, I have, and continue, to volunteer with organisations such as the African Communities Council SA, the African Women Federation of SA and Council for Migrant and Refugee Women of SA.
I am passionate about my work and its relevance to positive health outcomes for many in our community.
I have recently been nominated as a member of the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission (SAMEAC).
In 2014, I was the winner of the Governor’s Multicultural Award in the Community Sector (Individual) category and a recipient of the African Australian Community Champions Award.
Contact Laura
Martin Manariyo
I work as a Community Support and Case Manager for Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmissible Infections Program. In this position, my roles include community education, counselling, casework and case management.
I have Certificate III in Disability Services from TAFE SA, Certificate IV in Community Services (Narrative Counselling) from TAFE SA, and a Bachelor of Social Work and Social Planning from Flinders University.
I am a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers and a financial supporter of Australia for UNHCR. I believe that everybody is entitled to human rights, justice, and dignity. In addition, people deserve respect, help when needed and opportunities in order to lead a positive life.
Contact Martin
Memoona Rafique
I came from Pakistan, where I completed my degrees in Clinical Psychology and Project Management. In Australia, I completed study and work as a counsellor and Child Safe Environments trainer. At PEACE, I am the Program Coordinator for Gambling Help Services.
Before joining PEACE, I worked in International Civil Services with the United Nations in several agencies, primarily in UNICEF. I performed different roles and duties internationally where I gained major experience in community development, capacity building, health education and psychosocial support.
Today, I am an active member of many community association and organisations in a voluntary capacity. I am extremely passionate about social justice, community empowerment, and the impact of all the small, contributions, that everyone can make, towards a better, peaceful and happy world.
Contact Memoona
Mohammad Safi
I am honoured to be a member of PEACE, working as a Peer Support Worker. It is incredibly powerful to offer our clients an opportunity to meet others with lived-experience. I have completed Certificate III in Community Services which led me to this peer support role.
I come from Afghanistan and feel connected to the history of Australia as Afghan Pashtun men took part in building the railway from Adelaide to Darwin over 100 years ago.
I am an active volunteer with many different organisations that provide client and community development services. This is in addition to serving as the Vice President of the Pashtun Community and Cricket Club, and the Logistics & Accounts Head at Afghan Cricket Academy. I also work at the Multicultural Cricket League, which consists of cricket teams from 29 different countries
As I am extremely passionate about communities, these different roles and responsibilities energise me and push me to keep learning and do my best to grow and help others grow.I believe I just began my journey in being a helping hand for the society and there are many milestones yet to be achieved in this path that I have chosen.
Contact Mohammad
Mwajemi Hussein
I work as a Family Support Worker mainly with African Communities. My role involves working with different African communities to raise awareness of Family and Domestic Violence (FDV). This role involves continuous consultations and listening to stories of women, men and young people. Through this role I have realised the complexities involved in addressing FDV within any one community.
People need an opportunity to be heard and reflect on how we can make others feel respected and valued, and want we can do to identify the most vulnerable individuals.
I strongly believe that everyone has a role to play to make a healthy community and make everyone enjoy life. I am greatly interested in networking, as I believe it is another way of increasing skills and knowledge.
Victims of FDV need to be heard, understood, and supported. Perpetrators of FDV need enough support to manage the emotions resulting in negative and harmful behaviours. Early intervention of safety and wellbeing concerns underpins a tailored response. It is never too late for change.
Contact Mwajemi
Sandrine Dearaujo
I have been a Counsellor and Case Manager at PEACE since May 2018. I am from France where I studied Visual and Contemporary Arts.
I have an advanced Diploma in Transpersonal Art Therapy and a Masters Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
I am interested in using art when working with clients, as I have seen first hand the benefits people receive from it in my past roles. I previously provided art therapy session to individuals with acquired brain injuries or for mothers who have children with disabilities.
Working with the PEACE program and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community is teaching me a lot, especially how to adapt the western framework to CALD communities, which, in my opinion, requires a welcoming and opened mind, as well as creativity.
Contact Sandrine
Sumbo Ndi
I am the Program Coordinator of Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmissible Infection program at PEACE.
My past roles included Health Promotion and Evaluation Officer, and Workforce Development Officer. I hold a doctoral degree in Biomedical Science and worked in many areas such as infectious diseases, vaccine development, drug discovery and much more. I am also a certified coach and counsellor.
Prior to working at PEACE, I worked at the University of South Australia as a research fellow, lecturer and tutor. I previously studied and worked in Nigeria and the Netherlands.
I have and do serve on a number of boards and committees, and in 2013, I was the winner of the Governor’s Multicultural Award (Community Sector, individual category).
I am passionate about diversity, gender issues, inclusion and belonging and I am an advocate for social justice and seek equity for all.
Contact Sumbo
Wathnak Vy
I work as the Cambodian Community Liaison Worker at PEACE. I have a background in social science and am currently studying a double degree at the University of Adelaide, a Bachelor of International Development and a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Human Resources.
I have high commitment to and interest in addressing issues related to the welfare system, legal affairs, settlement issues, drug, alcohol and problem gambling amongst the culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
I have been working in casework and case management, specifically designed for the Cambodian community in South Australia, and I can also assist with Justice of the Peace services in the Khmer language.
I have many volunteering roles within different community-based organisations and the opportunity to give back to the community is what motivates me to keep learning and studying.
Contact Wathnak
Yasmin Adballa
I migrated to Australia over a year ago from Egypt. I have worked as a Case Manager at PEACE and MOSAIC since April 2018. I hold a degree in Education, a Diploma of Community Services and a Certificate IV in Mental Health.
My role is to provide case management support for people from diverse communities who are affected and/or at risk of developing gambling problems and/or transmission of blood-borne viruses.
Previously I worked as a case worker dealing with migrants and refugees through the UN Migration Agency in Egypt, along with people from different backgrounds and all walks of life.
I believe that immigrants enrich their new societies on so many levels. They bring new culture, knowledge, skills, and experiences, which helps them to be more resilient and productive in the new countries.
Contact Yasmin
The Good Life Project
African Communities Leading the Prevention of Family Violence in Adelaide
This project, titled ‘The Good Life’, builds on African communities’ dreams before migrating to Australia, dismantling the existing barriers to build sustainable solutions for stronger families and stronger communities.
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The project team works with key stakeholders, community leaders, volunteers and positive change agents to drive sustainable changes in community awareness, attitudes and behaviours. These changes aim to contribute to or eliminate all forms of violence against women and their children as well as against girls.
This project works to:
- Promote awareness, understanding of family violence, as well as the attitudes that lead to violence and the impact of violence on the individual, family and society
- Build the capacity of positive change agents to promote The Good Life project, with a focus on collective strategies to create supportive environments for seeking help
- Promote existing support services available
- Develop culturally appropriate resources
- Support the learning of service providers to respond meaningfully to clients of African background experiencing any form of violence or abuse
The project employs two part-time workers, male and female.
Project Resources:
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Multicultural Gambling Help Service
You Are Not Alone – Help Is Always Available
Multicultural Gambling Help Services is a program of PEACE funded by Office for Problem Gambling, Department of Human Services. This program is specifically for people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds and focuses on developing and providing a range of intervention strategies, in a culturally appropriate way.
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Multicultural Gambling Help Services intervention strategies include; community education, generating awareness, offering screening, building partnerships, interacting with clients, therapeutic counselling and case management services.
Multicultural Gambling Help Services provides education to the wider community, aiming to create awareness amongst the CALD population about the effects of problem gambling. A core objective of the service is to demystify the stigma attached to problem gambling, which stops many people from seeking help. This is done through participation in community events, and via information groups and community seminars or workshops.
CALD community members who are affected by their gambling behaviour, or someone else’s, are encouraged to seek help and they are provided support in a culturally appropriate way. This support includes:
- Reflecting on the gambling and work out what can be done about it
- Developing strategies to support and reduce or overcome gambling behaviour
- Working through other issues that may contribute to gambling behaviour
- Regaining control of one’s life
- Exploring the impact of gambling on relationships
- Working through the effects of problem gambling in a supportive environment
- Establishing the conditions needed to rebuild relationships
- Assessing any debts caused because of gambling behaviour
- Coping with creditors
- Getting back in control of finances
This support is provided through our highly skilled team of Counsellors, Case Workers and Financial Counsellors.
Explore more information about gambling, gambling harm, cultural practices that are related to gambling, and support services available at the You Are Not Alone website.
If you would like to organize an information session or workshop for your community group, get in touch with Memoona, PEACE team can do it in innovative and culturally meaningful ways.
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Cambodian Gambling Help
You Are Not Alone – Help Is Always Available
PEACE has a long history of working with the Cambodian community providing services to achieve positive outcomes and a high level of wellbeing. Some of those services are related to Hepatitis B, HIV, family relationships and Gambling Help Services.
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The Cambodian Gambling Help Service focusses on creating awareness and encouraging seeking help early before things get complicated. To run community education programs, we work in collaboration with community leaders and monks, Cambodian businesses and radio stations. We also run community support groups and community ambassadors’ programs. See the You Are Not Alone website for more information.
We support individuals who are affected by gambling problems in many ways. We work with the person and their loved ones, if needed and acceptable, to:
- Reflect on their gambling behaviours and what contributes to it
- Develop acceptable actions that are likely to reduce or stop the gambling
- Regain control of time and money spent on gambling, as well as the frequency of visits to gambling venues
- Explore the impact of gambling on relationships
- Establish the ways and conditions needed to rebuild relationships
- Assess any debts caused due to gambling behaviour, including negotiating with creditors
- Regain control of finances
We have Khmer-speaking workers, one male and one female, that are fully trained and qualified to provide support in a very supportive environment. Our workers understand the importance of confidentiality and how gossiping can cause harm.
Our workers are easily accessible and will go the extra mile to ensure that clients have full confidence in using the service. If for whatever reason, the client does not wish to work with a person from their community, another qualified worker can be made available.
Khmer speaking worker, who understand the Cambodian culture and are a part of the community:
A non-Cambodian worker is also available:
An example of a gambling help resources PEACE create in Khmer is the Gambling Harm Awareness Week video, which has been translated into 12 different languages:
The Big Fish Video Resource – Khmer
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HIV Women Indaba
HIV and Women Issues is Our Specialty
The HIV Women’s Health Program is a women-specific program that offers a range of services to empower all women, affected by or at risk of HIV, to lead a healthy life that is free of stigma and discrimination.
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Specifically, the Indaba program aims to:
- Provide comprehensive support and therapeutic services
- Support women to easily access other relevant services, as needed
- Advocate for services and organisations to recognise the special needs of women in general and, in particular, women living with HIV
- Run group sessions to assist women to build broader social connections and confidence in meeting life challenges
- Run a peer-led support services
The Peer Support service offers individual and group peer-led support for people living with HIV or affected by HIV. The service aims to empower people with lived experience to positively contribute to the life of others affected by HIV. This program recognises that every client has the potential to positively influence the life of others if given the opportunity and the skills to do so.
If you have been affected by the HIV virus and would like to be a peer supporter, we would like to hear from you. Contact us and find out more information on the Indaba (https://indabahiv.com.au/) website
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Blood Borne Viruses & Sexually Transmissible Infections Programs (BBV/STI)
Working with Communities for Better Health Outcomes
This program is specifically designed to address HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexually Transmissible Infections (STI) amongst migrants, refugees, international students and other highly-mobile populations. We support community groups, families and individuals, as well as with service providers that work with the above population.
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The diverse services provided through this program aim to:
- Improve communities’ knowledge and awareness regarding HIV, Viral Hepatitis B & C and STI through community education and specific awareness campaigns
- Create a supportive environment for people living with the virus and/or wanting to go through the sexual health screening program
- Support people to adopt safe behaviours to prevent transmission of BBV and STI
- Provide support and assistance, including peer support, for people affected by HIV or Viral Hepatitis, especially those who are isolated and feeling that they have been discriminated as a result of their situation
- Improve the services provided for any of the above groups and deliver them in a culturally meaningful way
We provide client services, which includes individual and group support, involving casework, case management and counselling services.
We specifically focus on working with people who:
- Are living with the virus – this means an individual is living with a blood-borne virus, mainly HIV and or viral hepatitis (B, C, and D) or sexually transmissible infection.
- Are affected by the virus – This means an individual, family or group of people who are impacted as a result of someone connected to them is living with BBV/STI
- Are at a higher risk than others for BBV/STI transmission – This means an individual was and/or is in a situation/circumstance that may expose them to the different viruses and sexually transmissible infections
Community Work
We use a community engagement, community education and community development approach to promote knowledge, skills and safer behaviours around BBV/STI prevention and treatment. Additionally, we also provide workforce development and cultural competency training. Our aim is to support the workforce to better understand and address the BBV/STI needs of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse population in South Australia.
Cultural Competency Training and Workforce Development Information
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Travel Safe
Enjoy Your Trip, but Most Importantly Stay Safe!
Some overseas countries have high rates of viral infections such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. When travelling overseas there may be an increased risk of infection with these viruses if precautions are not always taken.
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Did you know that surveillance data show a link between HIV infection and travel? Over 20% of new HIV diagnoses in Australia are associated with people travelling to or from countries where HIV is more prevalent than in Australia.
When travelling overseas, it is important to plan for your safety. Be aware of the risk factors for infection so that you can prepare and protect yourself.
The ‘Travel Safe’ booklet provides information and tips on how to prepare to be safe before leaving the country, what to do during your travel, and also what to do when you come back.
If you have any further inquiries, please Contact PEACE – form at the bottom of the page.
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U=U campaign
Undetectable = Untransmittable
There is solid global evidence that people living with HIV who are on Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) and have an on-going undetectable viral-load which meant they will not transmit HIV to others. This is the new prevention campaign that everyone should know about ‘U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable)’.
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An undetectable viral load does not mean ‘cured’ but it does mean there is not enough virus around to pass on to others. PEACE fully supports this global campaign as it helps reduces the stigma that many communities still hold about people living with HIV. It means that people living with HIV can enjoy a relationship with others without the fear of passing on the virus.
As part of this campaign, we encourage people to:
Get Tested: Test regularly so that people know their status and can look after themselves
Get Treated: Take medication on a regular basis and on time
Live Longer: HIV is never a barrier to living your life the way you desire
Learn about the many ways that can improve your general health and wellbeing and you can achieve long life.
Get Tested, Get Treated, Live Longer Booklet
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Know your Hep B Status
The ‘Know Your Hepatitis B’ Campaign was developed to assist and support people who come from high prevalence countries to have a better understanding of Hepatitis B and to know their Hepatitis B status.
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High prevalence countries are:
Africa (all countries except Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia)
Central and South America (interior Amazon basin and parts of the Caribbean)
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Central and Eastern Europe (including the independent states of the former Soviet Union) and the Middle East
Southeast Asia and the South and Western Pacific Islands
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We encourage everyone who comes from any of the above countries to do a simple blood test to check if they are immune against the virus or if they already have the virus. Either case there is a way to ensure that they prevent serious illness.
The campaign utilises several approaches to educate about prevalence, transmission, prevention, and the importance of testing, vaccination and creating a treatment management plan.
We know that providing information alone does not necessarily lead people to testing, it requires building relationships and trust and providing information in a context that is meaningful to our target group.
Through the campaign, we support individuals or groups to access testing clinics and vaccinations. We walk alongside people to ensure proper follow up with vaccination and treatment; and we provide other practical support where required.
Click HERE for our simple flow chart for understanding Hepatitis B testing.
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Positive Change Movement
To create a positive change, PEACE works with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities in different ways, to build their capacity and equip them with tools for addressing stigma and discrimination associated with taboo topics such as HIV, viral hepatitis, problem gambling and family violence.
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Our focus is on adopting a collaborative approach in the fight against Stigma and discrimination so that people living with or affected by any of these issues are able to participate in a society free from stigma and discrimination. We believe every person has a role to play in creating a safe community for all.
By creating awareness, we unite with individuals, groups and communities with the collective goal of developing strategies that aim to challenge stigma and discrimination and improve access to relevant information, care and support. When people are involved in addressing issues of concern to them, better outcomes are achieved.
There are multiple avenues through which we promote positive change:
- World AIDS Day Events (WAD)
- Working with faith leaders
- Creating opportunities for Peer Support
- Community Champions/Ambassadors
- Voices of Women
- South Asian communities
- African communities
- International students
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Stigma
Stigma is a culturally constructed idea; it is a learnt concept and influences what we do and how we do particular things. Our culture teaches us certain things that shapes our thinking and reactions to what “can” or “cannot” be discussed in public. Matters that our cultures taught us to avoid discussing in public, helps the status quo and prevents us from being informed, be analytical or even prevent us from learning about how to think.
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Context of living in a globalised world, where mobility of people around the world has become so much easier, where different backgrounds, cultures, religions, ethnicities, beliefs and values interact within a “melting pot”- everyone seeks to keep “their” culture alive and their “individuality” intact. The behaviours learnt centuries ago according to the societal context at that time do not always work and in most cases complicates the situation even further. Not allowing flexibility to challenge the way things were, creates barriers, stops growth, and most importantly creates problems and disadvantages.
Culture, of course, is very important but it is there to provide support and security to individuals and the community. It is an ever-evolving medium and has the ability to absorb challenges, changes and new practices. Allowing conversations on the topics that affect our lives in a new country enables easier transition, understanding and adjustment into a new lifestyle. It allows individuals to talk about matters that are important, discuss issues that were not relevant before but now are, and provides an environment that welcomes challenges and flourishes resilience.
PEACE promotes the conversation on issues that are not commonly discussed, and it happens in a culturally appropriate, confidential and welcoming environment. Stigma has been linked to most of the community matters PEACE deals with e.g Gambling, Bloodborne Viruses, Domestic Violence etc. hence it is one of the things that we deal with very confidently.
We believe that every person in the community can be a change agent and can bring about a positive change where no one is discriminated because of their problems, diseases or choices in life. We believe in and promote equality and acceptance for everyone by everyone.
Have a chat with us if you would like us to come into your community and talk about a topic that is of concern and is contributing towards increasing stigma and or discrimination, we will find ways to start the conversation and you could be a change agent for that in your community.
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Cultural Competency Training
Supporting the workforce to design and deliver culturally meaningful and relevant services.
Australia is one of the most culturally diverse nations, it is constantly growing every year through migration programs including skilled migrants, refugees, international students and businesses. Their understanding of the Australian system and way of life varies depending on their year of arrival, reasons for migration and other language and cultural barriers.
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In addition, migrants have the right to access needed services, achieve positive outcomes and have a positive experience when using them. Therefore, it is paramount for workers in the health and community services sector to develop awareness, knowledge and skills of working effectively with clients as well as with interpreters.
To support the learning of the workforce, PEACE Multicultural Services offers you:
- Intercultural training and workshop packages that are tailored to your needs
- Consultancy service to assist you in meeting the needs of your clients
- Managing a diverse team within your workplace
- Working effectively with interpreters
- Developing culturally appropriate translated material
We also provide input into policy development and its impact on people from other cultures
Workforce development services are provided free of charge for services within the sexual and blood-borne viruses sector and within the gambling help and industry sector. Outside those sectors, we are able to provide a quote for the services that you need.
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Contact