People from a refugee background are rarely included in conversations concerning their perceptions and usage of alcohol and other drugs (AOD). Our research provides a platform for young people from a Middle Eastern and Burmese refugee background from the Illawarra and Shoalhaven region to share their experiences, challenges, and strengths regarding AOD related harms. Through the insights and contributions of participants, community leaders, and elders it is evident that AOD risks and harms are influenced by multiple intersecting policies, economic, and cultural factors that call for the need to adopt a community collaborative approach to decrease harms and risks to young people.

Our research report proposes an analysis of themes that were prevalent across the experiences of young people from a Middle Eastern and Burmese refugee background and goes on to highlight suggested recommendations as solutions voiced from the participants themselves.

Our launch occurs during Refugee Week 2020 & proudly celebrates the theme #YearOfWelcome

PRESENTERS:
A/Prof Jioji Ravulo (UOW), Dianne Woods (ISLHD), Lance Barrie (UOW), Joseph Abdo (UOW).