At Aquadome, we have the privilege of seeing a resilient and dedicated group of individuals come together to find support, community, and joy, thanks to a very special partnership at our facility.
This initiative is driven by STTARS (Survivors of Torture and Trauma Assistance and Rehabilitation Service), whose profound mission is to offer individual counselling and support for survivors of torture and refugee-related trauma.
Here at Aquadome, we are incredibly proud to share their belief that finding a safe, engaging environment is a vital step in helping asylum seekers build the strength and resilience needed to manage their current, often uncertain, situations and their futures.
The Inspiration Behind the Mission
The driving force behind the STTARS mission is the urgent need to support highly vulnerable individuals who have survived unimaginable hardships.
For asylum seekers, the trauma of their past is frequently compounded by prolonged periods of uncertainty, deep concern for family members still in danger, and the constant threat of being returned to their home country. Coupled with limited access to basic supports, these individuals face immense psychological and physical distress. Because they are not yet in a position of complete safety, STTARS is deeply committed to providing a compassionate space where they can cope with trauma-related symptoms and build hope for the future.
Creating a Welcoming Community at Aquadome
Group swimming sessions have become a wonderful addition to the support STTARS provides, and their visits to Aquadome have been a meaningful part of their journey.
The Aquadome is honoured to facilitate these bookings, providing a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment. For the participants, these swimming sessions offer much more than just recreation—they provide a brief, positive respite from the heavy psychological and physical distress they face during the asylum process. In our pools, they have found an inclusive space to learn a valuable life skill while building a supportive community.
Fostering Connection and Growth
STTARS assists vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers through direct counselling and by working in partnership with other key service providers. Their core contributions to their members and our facility include:
Addressing Immediate Needs: Helping individuals get their basic practical needs met, alongside addressing their immediate physical and mental health requirements.
Developing Social Connections: Creating a supportive, engaging space where participants can bond, build a trusted community, and foster meaningful social ties.
Building Skills and Resilience: Encouraging participation in positive activities—like our swimming sessions—that build confidence, teach valuable life skills, and empower individuals to make a positive contribution to their future.
The Impact of Connection
The impact of this program goes far beyond the water. A group swimming session serves as a lifeline of community, safety, and recovery. We are incredibly proud at Aquadome to be involved with STTARS, and to play a small part in supporting the vital, life-changing work they continue to do within our local community.