If you know a child or family from an asylum seeker/refugee background in a professional capacity (i.e. you are a social worker, teacher, healthcare professional, etc) who you believe would benefit from our services, please complete this referral form. We will then be in contact with the family, and you if we need clarification or further information. Please submit any questions to the ARV Client Manager at
clients@arvolunteers.org.
We do not accept self-referrals or referrals from friends, colleagues, or family members. Australian Refugee Volunteers Inc (ARV) provides recreational and developmental programs for children and families from asylum seeker and refugee backgrounds, including those who have special needs, are at risk of harm, have child protection concerns, or children who are unaccompanied minors. Our programs aim to ease loneliness and isolation in refugee communities. We want to increase the number of smiles on the faces of children from refugee backgrounds, by promoting fun, laughter and relaxation. We are committed to empowering individuals and families, and building more cohesive, tolerant communities.
Monthly Weekend Programs
ARV runs programs for children and teens (up to age 17) once a month. These generally involve a combination of recreational and educational activities, in a protected and nurturing environment. Additionally, ARV also runs a ‘Charity’ program, which involves the more mature teens getting out into the community, and performing some form of charitable act or participating in a charity event. = This boosts morale and self-confidence, as well as helping the young adults to feel comfortable in their community.
School Holiday Camps
Finally, ARV also runs camps for children during most school holidays – these generally function as an educational getaway for the children, peppered with fun, games and self-esteem building activities.
