Using Foundation House Services

The following information is provided as a guide if you, or someone you know, may need the support of Foundation House. Please contact us for further information.

You can see a worker at Foundation House if:

• You have experienced torture, war-related trauma or persecution before you came to Australia
• You are having problems now
• You would like someone to assist you with these problems

It is normal for people to have difficulties as a result of previous experiences of torture and persecution.

You may have noticed:

• Sleep problems
• Thoughts and memories that come into your mind when you don’t want them to
• Overwhelming feelings of anger and sadness
• Feeling nervous and not understanding why
• Not wanting to be around other people
• Not wanting to be around reminders of your past
• Poor appetite
• A lack of energy
• Heart palpitations and sweating
• Feeling that you can’t trust other people
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Problems with thinking and concentration
• Family problems that relate to your experiences
• Problems with learning or remembering

You may also be concerned or worried about your children if:

• They have some of the same difficulties described above
• They are withdrawn, sad, nervous or aggressive
• In their play, they act out bad experiences they have had
• They are very distressed when they are separated from their parents

If you or your children experience any of these problems the Foundation may be able to help you by providing an opportunity for you to:

• talk about your worries
• start to find solutions to them
• receive assistance in the process of healing from the trauma

How does Foundation House work?

• Our services are free
• You can tell us what you need
• We keep your concerns private and confidential
• We support your rights
• We educate the community about the experiences of refugees
• We can work with interpreters if you would like to
• You have the choice to change an interpreter if you are not comfortable with the interpreter allocated
• The interpreters we work with must also keep your concerns private and confidential

How do I contact Foundation House?

You can ring, fax or email Foundation House yourself.

Phone: 03 9388 0022
Fax: 03 9387 0828
Email: info@foundationhouse.org.au

Ask to speak to the “Duty Worker”. If the Duty Worker is not available, the receptionist will take your name and telephone number and we will ring you back in the next three (3) working days.

Foundation House’s contact details can also be found on the Contact Page of this website.

Information in community languages is available below.