As Refugee Week comes to an end, it is a great time to reflect on the wonderful work of our Refugee Health and Wellbeing team here at Monash Health.
This team exists to help people transform from surviving to thriving and enable individuals in our community to achieve their fullest potential. True to its purpose of “surviving to thriving”, the team are committed to recognising that health is so much more than the absence of disease.
The theme for Refugee Week this year is ‘Unity- The way Forward’, and our Refugee Health and Wellbeing team have shared what this theme means to them and how essential unity is to assist them in achieving results within their team:
Unity means togetherness, and people being together or united bring a wealth of skills and knowledge, which progressively brings great success. – Catherine, Refugee Health Nurse.
Unity means supporting the people around you, whether at work, home or in the community, and helping everyone to feel part of something and that they belong. – Becca, Refugee Health Nurse.
To me, unity does not mean uniformity, but rather mutuality, respect, celebrating the diversity in the world while honouring our common humanity, and working together to improve the wellbeing of all people. – Monica, Social Worker.
I commit to engaging in meaningful conversations with colleagues and patients; to remaining open and challenging assumptions that undermine connection and prevent us from achieving optimal outcomes. – Jacquie, Manager.
I implement unity in my work by being kind in conversation, taking time to stop and say hello, sharing vulnerability, the ups and downs of my day to promote self-care, and offering a helping hand to others when needed. – Mark, GP.
The Refugee Health and Wellbeing recently presented at our Community Forum on Wednesday 23 June, which you can watch on the intranet here. The team spoke from 5:00 – 20:00, highlighting the importance of Refugee Week.
Approved by Julia Oxley.