Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma

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Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma Founded in 1995, QPASTT is Queensland's specialist trauma recovery agency for refugees and people seeking asylum.

Our vision is for people from refugee backgrounds to live lives liberated from the harms of torture, trauma and human rights injustice. QPASTT's social media channels are monitored between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. If you would like to get in touch with us, we recommend contacting us directly through our offices via email or phone. Find out how at https://qpastt.org.au/contact-us/

When people feel frightened or overwhelmed, their breathing can become faster as part of the body's natural survival res...
23/10/2026

When people feel frightened or overwhelmed, their breathing can become faster as part of the body's natural survival response. Sometimes, this response continues even after the immediate danger has passed.

Relaxed breathing is one technique that may help slow the body's response and reduce feelings of fear or tension.

QPASTT's Practical Tips for Trauma Recovery includes a simple breathing exercise: breathe in for four seconds, hold for four seconds and breathe out slowly for six seconds.

Practising regularly when you feel calm may make the technique easier to use when difficult feelings arise.

🌿 Different strategies work for different people. Choose what feels safe and comfortable for you.

đź”— Explore QPASTT's Practical Tips for Trauma Recovery - https://qpastt.org.au/practical-tips-for-trauma-recovery/. Resources are also available in nine translated languages. To find out if QPASTT support might be right for you, call đź“ž07 3391 6677.

Anger is a normal human emotion.After violence or trauma, some people may experience sudden or intense feelings of anger...
21/10/2026

Anger is a normal human emotion.

After violence or trauma, some people may experience sudden or intense feelings of anger. These feelings might be triggered by reminders of past experiences or sometimes seem to appear without warning.

Anger can also sit alongside other difficult emotions such as hurt, shame or fear. Recognising your own warning signs, such as clenching your jaw, feeling tense or becoming easily irritated, may help you respond before feelings become overwhelming.

Stepping away from a difficult situation, slowing your breathing, moving your body or talking with someone you trust are some strategies that may help.

Anger is not the same as violence or aggression. There are safe ways to express and manage strong emotions.

đź”— Explore QPASTT's Practical Tips for Trauma Recovery at https://qpastt.org.au/practical-tips-for-trauma-recovery/. To find out if QPASTT support might be right for you, call đź“ž07 3391 6677.

Arriving somewhere safe can bring relief, but it does not always mean feelings of fear, stress or uncertainty immediatel...
19/10/2026

Arriving somewhere safe can bring relief, but it does not always mean feelings of fear, stress or uncertainty immediately disappear.

After prolonged periods of danger or feeling unsafe, the mind and body may continue to remain alert to possible threats.

At the same time, settling into a new country can bring new challenges - learning new systems, adjusting to a different culture, missing people and places from home, or worrying about loved ones.

Rebuilding a sense of safety and belonging can take time. Connection with family, culture, community and people you trust can all be important parts of that process.

đź’› There is no single timeline for settling, healing or feeling at home.

Explore QPASTT's Practical Tips for Trauma Recovery at đź”— https://qpastt.org.au/practical-tips-for-trauma-recovery/. Resources are available in Arabic, Farsi, Kirundi, Kurmanji Kurdish, Sango, Somali, Spanish, Swahili and Ukrainian.

🎬 Join us for a special screening of Lost Land, an internationally award-winning Rohingya-language feature film.Winner o...
15/10/2026

🎬 Join us for a special screening of Lost Land, an internationally award-winning Rohingya-language feature film.

Winner of the Orizzonti Special Jury Prize at the 2025 Venice International Film Festival, Lost Land follows two siblings on a perilous journey to reunite with their family.

QPASTT and Multicultural Australia invite you to an evening of film, food and community connection, with proceeds supporting Elom Initiatives.

The screening will be followed by a special discussion with Co-Producer Sujauddin Karimuddin, offering insights into the film and the stories behind it.

Come early to enjoy delicious halal chicken or vegetarian curries, Rohingya chai and other refreshments, with food and merchandise available to purchase.

đź“… Tuesday 10 November 2026
🕕 6pm – Food and networking | 7pm – Screening
đź“Ť Queensland Multicultural Centre, Kangaroo Point
🎟️ Tickets from $20, with concession,dinner and group options available.

Come along, bring your friends and family, and support Rohingya storytelling and community initiatives. We'd love to see you there!

🎟️ Book your tickets: https://bit.ly/LL-Tix-QMC

After frightening experiences, children and young people may experience strong emotions or behave in ways that are diffi...
15/10/2026

After frightening experiences, children and young people may experience strong emotions or behave in ways that are difficult for adults to understand.

One of the most important things adults can provide is a sense of safety. Listening to a child's worries, acknowledging how they feel and offering reassurance can all help.

Connection can also happen through everyday activities - spending time together, playing, creating art, sharing cultural activities or simply being present.

You do not need to have all the answers. A calm and attentive response can help a child feel supported.

Find more useful information for parents and carers in QPASTT's Practical Tips for Trauma Recovery - đź”—https://qpastt.org.au/practical-tips-for-trauma-recovery/. To find out if QPASTT support might be right for you, call đź“ž07 3391 6677.

After frightening or traumatic experiences, the body can sometimes remain prepared for danger, even when the immediate t...
13/10/2026

After frightening or traumatic experiences, the body can sometimes remain prepared for danger, even when the immediate threat has passed.

You might notice feeling constantly alert, being easily startled, finding it difficult to relax or experiencing physical tension.

These reactions can be part of the mind and body's response to prolonged periods of feeling unsafe. Finding activities that help you relax, practising slower breathing, releasing muscle tension and connecting with people you trust may help.

Different strategies work for different people, and rebuilding a sense of safety can take time.

đź”— Explore QPASTT's Practical Tips for Trauma Recovery - https://qpastt.org.au/practical-tips-for-trauma-recovery/. Resources are also available in nine translated languages. To find out if QPASTT support might be right for you, call đź“ž07 3391 6677.

Talking about difficult experiences can feel unfamiliar or uncertain, particularly if you have never spoken with a couns...
09/10/2026

Talking about difficult experiences can feel unfamiliar or uncertain, particularly if you have never spoken with a counsellor before.

Counselling provides a private and safe space where you can share your worries with someone who is trained to listen and support you.

QPASTT counsellors are trained in supporting people who have experienced torture and refugee-related trauma. Support can also help people understand and adjust to life in Australia and connect with other practical services when needed.

If English is not your preferred language, an interpreter can be arranged.

QPASTT provides flexible and culturally sensitive support to people affected by torture and refugee-related trauma across Queensland.

To learn more, visit đź”—https://qpastt.org.au/practical-tips-for-trauma-recovery/. To find out if QPASTT support might be right for you, call đź“ž07 3391 6677.

After frightening or traumatic experiences, reminders of what happened can sometimes cause strong emotional or physical ...
07/10/2026

After frightening or traumatic experiences, reminders of what happened can sometimes cause strong emotional or physical reactions.

A sight, sound, smell, place or situation may remind us of a past experience. Even when we know we are safe now, our mind and body may respond as though the danger is happening again.

Understanding what triggers these reactions can be helpful. When difficult memories arise, it may help to notice what is around you, remind yourself that you are safe now, slow down and connect with someone you trust.

Different strategies work for different people, and recovery can take time.

Explore QPASTT’s Practical Tips for Trauma Recovery at 🔗https://qpastt.org.au/practical-tips-for-trauma-recovery/. Please note our resources are available in translated languages including Arabic, Farsi, Kirundi, Kurmanji Kurdish, Sango, Somali, Spanish, Swahili and Ukrainian.

Coping with past experiences while managing everyday stress and the challenges of settling into a new country can someti...
05/10/2026

Coping with past experiences while managing everyday stress and the challenges of settling into a new country can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Small actions can help create a greater sense of routine, connection and control. This might mean eating regularly, making time for rest, moving your body gently, spending time with people you trust, or doing something that helps you feel connected to culture, community or meaning.

You do not have to change everything at once. Choose one small, manageable thing you can do for yourself this week and notice what helps.

Explore more practical strategies in QPASTT’s Practical Tips for Trauma Recovery at 🔗 https://qpastt.org.au/practical-tips-for-trauma-recovery/.

Children and young people can be affected by frightening experiences even when they find it difficult to understand or e...
02/10/2026

Children and young people can be affected by frightening experiences even when they find it difficult to understand or explain what they are feeling.

Sometimes distress may appear through strong emotions, changes in behaviour, sleep difficulties, withdrawal or problems concentrating. These reactions can sometimes be misunderstood as a child being “difficult” or “naughty”.

Parents and carers can help by listening, acknowledging their feelings, reassuring them that they are safe and cared for, and creating opportunities for connection through family activities, culture, art, play or movement.

Children look to the adults around them for safety. A calm and attentive response can have a powerful effect on their sense of safety and recovery.

QPASTT offers a range of support services to children, young people and their families, including Early Years and family counselling, child and youth counselling, parenting groups and outreach activities for young people. To find out more, call đź“ž07 3391 6677.

Address

Brisbane Multicultural Centre, 28 Dibley Street
Brisbane, QLD
4102

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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