Language barriers, cultural differences, separation from family and friends are just some of the reasons why many refugees and asylum seekers experience loneliness.
In Sydney and Melbourne,refugee organisations offer a range of programs and initiatives to help new arrivals regain a sense of community and belonging in their new country.
In 2018, an innovative volunteer program to encourage refugees and newcomers to develop a sense of belonging was co-designed by the City of Sydney and Settlement Service International. They named this program as "Welcome2Sydney' the program has now expanded to greater Sydney, including Parramatta, blue Mountains, Manly and Bondi.
