Companion House works with vulnerable people who have sought refuge in Australia from persecution, torture and war related trauma. We work with people who are newly arrived and with longer term settlers.  We work with adults, young people and children. Most of the people we work with are asylum seekers or from a refugee background. We are a non-profit community based organisation.

How will the funds be used?

While Government funding provides for a substantial part of Companion House's medical, counselling, and community development services we rely on donations to cover critical gaps. Your donation will help Companion House to provide much needed supplementary services and special projects, like our UC Student Fees Appeal.

We are currently assisting five young asylum seekers who are seeking to meet a part of their life's goal through education.  These five young students are on University of Canberra scholarships that discount their International Student fees but these are subject to the remaining fee component coming from fundraising through Companion House.

In addition to helping to support these young people achieve their educational goals, donations also support other young people, families and individuals of all ages.

Key Areas of Expenditure

Your donation will help Companion House to provide:

• Emergency relief for clients, the majority being asylum seekers, who are in financial distress to assist with food, transport and essential medication not covered by other services.
• funds to cover the fee gap for young asylum seeker students  enrolled at the University of Canberra
• Special support to asylum seekers and people in the community with a refugee background to facilitate preparation for work training and their participation in activities such as sport, arts and music where other sources of funds are not available.
• Immigration Advice for people who have run out of other options for immigration advice.