VOLUNTEERS are helping people from multicultural backgrounds to improve their health.
Monash Health’s Refugee Health Volunteer Team received an Outstanding Achievement Award at the Minister for Health Volunteer Awards in May.
The 40-strong team covers about 25 languages and works throughout the south east, contributing more than 1000 hours each month.
The volunteers’ main role is to greet, assist and guide clients, patients and visitors to their appointments, but also help clients to complete forms, engage with reception staff, call taxis and more.
Most of the volunteers arrived in Australia as asylum seekers.
“I congratulate the Refugee Health Volunteer Team on their kindness and generosity and willingness to step forward to help others from multicultural backgrounds get the care they need,” Health Minister Jill Hennessy said.