Category Archives: Case Studies

Background Ruby*, a 36-year-old mother of four, has endured a long history of family violence and financial hardship, all while managing the health challenges of her youngest child. Originating from the Republic of Congo in 2006 into an arranged marriage with a man 14 years older than her, Ruby’s life in Australia started with hope…

Background Vincent*, a 56-year-old, faced life-changing challenges after an accident which required him to leave his job as a Alcohol and Other Drugs counsellor. He was injured in a fire, sustaining 3rd degree burn injuries to 48% of his body, leaving him with a fused mouth and an inability to walk or move. With no…

Background During 2023-24, South East Community Links (SECL) collaborated with WHISE (Women’s Health in the South East) to empower girls and women from the Burmese and Rohingya communities. This initiative aimed to educate them about their sexual and reproductive health rights, addressing a critical gap to help prevent violence against women. The Burmese women were…

Overview Sanam* and her family were forced to leave Afghanistan after the fall of Kabul in 2021. The 28-year-old arrived in Australia in 2022 with her child and husband after being granted humanitarian visas. She was married at a young age, left school and was unable to pursue further education. She faced literacy and language…

Overview Kirra, a 24-year-old Aboriginal woman, faced challenges arising from a living situation that perpetuated her trauma and severe mental health issues. The hostile environment at her temporary residence with a friend’s family led to heightened depression, anxiety, and thoughts of self-harm. In her time of need, Kirra was directed to South East Community Links…

Background In May 2022, South East Community Links (SECL) consulted with 40 members of the local Afghan community to identify practical skills that could serve as a pathway to employment. Through these discussions, sewing emerged as a shared interest among the group. Subsequently, efforts were made to harness this interest as a means to foster…

Background In 2023, SECL conducted a community consultation involving more than 70 diverse men and boys to explore their unique perspectives on identity, values, gender roles, and violence against women. The findings were compiled in a report, which emphasised the need for trust-building approaches, positive role models, and engaging recreational activities to prevent violence against…

Overview Shabnam, a resilient Iranian refugee and mother of two, faced the challenges of caring for her unemployed, health-compromised husband while aspiring to transform her life. In 2020, she sought settlement support from SECL. Amidst family and financial complexities, Shabnam aimed to pursue her dream of becoming a professional hairdresser.   Client situation In response…

Overview In 2016, Soussan fled Afghanistan with her five children following her husband’s disappearance, seeking refuge in Pakistan. They arrived in Australia on a Humanitarian Visa in 2019. Soussan, grappling with deep trauma and grief, was visibly depressed and withdrawn. Hindered by illiteracy and language barriers, she relied entirely on her eldest son for social…

Overview South East Community Links (SECL) provides value support to refugees and vulnerable migrants from Afghanistan. Here is an overview of our work over the past two years. We support community members to build independent and meaningful livelihoods that make positive contributions to our local communities.Our capacity building work provides practical support, advocacy, service linkage…