We are excited to announce that HEAL, Queensland’s expressive arts therapy program for refugee young people, and the Friends of HEAL Foundation, have today joined with QPASTT (Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma).
As you may know, the HEAL program has supported over 3,000 young people from refugee backgrounds through art and music therapy since 2004. Young people have benefited from safe spaces to heal and discover a new sense of self.
From 1 July, QPASTT has assumed responsibility for the delivery of the HEAL program, in partnership with participating Queensland high schools.
The Friends of HEAL Foundation and QPASTT each have long and proud histories of supporting young people from refugee backgrounds in their journey of recovery from trauma. Crucially, both agencies have shared values and commitments in supporting people from refugee backgrounds to achieve wellbeing and heal, belong and thrive in our communities.
In particular, QPASTT acknowledges the deep commitment over many years by the Friends of HEAL Foundation in their stewardship and support of the HEAL program. The Boards of the Friends of HEAL Foundation and QPASTT are excited at the opportunity to enable HEAL to continue to deliver and grow its program of expressive therapies as a vital means to relieve distress and improve the mental health and educational outcomes of people from refugee backgrounds.
A transition committee has been working to ensure that services for young people and our strong partnerships with participating schools have continued without disruption throughout this process.
The Boards of the Friends of HEAL Foundation and QPASTT extend their deep appreciation to Jane Griffin, Founder and Coordinator of the HEAL Program and CEO of the Friends of HEAL Foundation. For almost 17 years, Jane has led the delivery and development of HEAL, demonstrating her abiding commitment to supporting young people from a refugee background. Jane’s work has showcased the many benefits that creative arts therapies can offer people throughout their settlement journey.
HEAL will continue as a charitable entity to raise funds to improve educational outcomes by supporting the mental health needs of young people through creative arts therapies. Our donation details remain the same and our donors do not need to take any action to continue supporting HEAL.
To find out more about HEAL programs and services, please contact Farah Suleman, our HEAL Transition Coordinator at heal@qpastt.org.au, or visit the HEAL website.
For any enquiries about HEAL joining QPASTT, please contact:
Jamila Padhee, Co-CEO of QPASTT
Or,
Adele Rice, Director, Friends of HEAL
We thank you for your support and look forward to continuing the valuable work of HEAL together.
Yours sincerely,
The Boards of QPASTT and the Friends of HEAL Foundation
About QPASTT
QPASTT (Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma) is committed to supporting survivors of torture and trauma and their families and communities in Queensland. QPASTT nurtures meaningful futures by assisting people from refugee backgrounds to heal, belong and thrive in our community. Find out more.
