The Multicultural Mental Health & Wellbeing Program provides information and support for individuals and families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds; focusing on promoting physical wellbeing, raising awareness about mental health issues and services available, and creating social inclusion opportunities for new arrival communities.
Some of the wellbeing programs available are:
Wellbeing Navigators Program
This is a COVID response initiative that provides emotional support and reduced isolation via regular check-in calls. The program is offered in eight community languages including Dari, Farsi, Hazaragi, Arabic, Karen, Karenni, Swahili and Tamil. The calls offer an opportunity to understand client needs and to help recipients establish connections with local supports including mental health services.
Youth Mental Health Program
This program aims to provide mental health education for multicultural youth (16-25) combined with social and physical activities that promote wellbeing and social connection.
New Links Program
This pilot program matches new community members from diverse backgrounds with a volunteer to practice conversational English. The aim of the program is to improve language skills and confidence so participants can pursue further education and employment. The relationship developed between participant and volunteer promotes social connection and sense of belonging.
Diversitat Netball Family
The Diversitat Netball Academy covers all costs for girls aged 10-18 to compete in a local netball competition. The girls work on their netball skills in workshops with Netball Victoria and use these skills to play in teams at the Corio Netball Association. On school holidays. the girls and their families participate in school holiday activities.
Diversitat Futsal and Netball Academy (DFNA)
Similar to Diversitat Netball Family, the DFNA assists girls and boys aged 10-18 to engage in local netball and futsal competitions. The participants work on their sporting skills and compete in local competitions. Additionally, the group attend 10 weeks of workshops where they learn about topics such as building self-worth and healthy relationships, responding to racism and improving mental health, with guest speakers such as professional athletes.
Women Wellbeing
Diverse activities including yoga, zumba, badminton and gardening activities are facilitated by community development workers in a safe and language supported environment for women from multicultural backgrounds.
The program also works with the Mental Health service system. including support services, to advocate for CALD responsive services.
This is achieved by offering Mental Health workforce and organisations the following:
- Secondary consultations regarding culture
- Training in cultural responsiveness for Mental Health workers
- Project partnerships with provider
For more information about programs or referrals please contact Mental Health and Wellbeing workers Yineth Moreno [email protected] or Melissa Bird [email protected]
Contact Us
Yineth Moreno
Multicultural Mental Health & Well Being Worker
Ph: (03) 5260 6000
Email: [email protected]
25-41 Arunga Avenue, Norlane, 3214
Melissa Bird
Multicultural Mental Health & Well Being Worker
Ph: (03) 5260 6000
Email: [email protected]
25-41 Arunga Avenue, Norlane, 3214
