Services
You may have endured, organised violence, torture, harrasment, imprisonment, witnessing violence, being involved in war situations and civil unrest, difficult escapes, refugee camp life, exile and migration.
Wellington RAS Mission
Our mission is to provide:
- specialist mental health services for refugees who have experienced trauma and torture
- support and capacity building for their families and communities
Wellington RAS Vision
Refugees, who have experienced torture and trauma, and their families, settle successfully in Aotearoa New Zealand
Why is there a need for a RAS service at all?
- Most refugees have suffered the loss of family and friends.
- Many refugees have suffered from physical and/or mental torture and trauma.
- To raise community awareness of refugee torture and resettlement issues.
- To assist the psycho-social-resettlment of refugees.
You may be experiencing some of the following:
- body aches and pains.
- sleep problems and nightmares.
- recurrent memories and thoughts which are painful.
- feeling fearful, nervous or restless.
- feeling as if you are reliving past experiences.
- easily scared or startled for no obvious reason.
- frequent sadness, crying or feeling bad.
- withdrawal from social contact or other activities.
- avoidance of situations that may remind you of past experiences which were painful.
- loss of memory and concentration.
- poor appetite.
- guilt and anger.
- faintness, dizziness or weakness.
Referrals:
Referrals may come from any source, including self-referral.At the RAS Centre you can:
- talk in confidence to someone who has an understanding of the issues involved in the refugee and exile experience.
- be referred to other health and medical services, with your consent.
- receive support in accessing other mainstream agencies involved in facilitating re-settlement.
- receive assistance with adaptation to life in New Zealand.
Interpreters:
- Interpreters are available.
- All interpreters are trained professionals.
- Confidentiality is assured
Hours of Operation:
| Monday | 9.00 - 5.00pm |
| Tuesday | 9.00 - 5.00pm |
| Wednesday | 9.00 - 5.00pm |
| Thursday | 9.00 - 5.00pm |
| Friday | 9.00 - 5.00pm |
Other appointment times available on request.
Saturday and Sunday closed.
In Wellington, outreach clinics will operate in the Porirua and Hutt Valley areas.
If you want a map of our location, click here.