Group of people walking in a line carrying backpacks silhouetted against cloudy blue sky

 

Australia's humanitarian intake is predicted to reach 20,000 in 2024. The Transcultural Mental Health Centre's Capacity Building Mental Health Program for New and Emerging Refugee Populations works collaboratively with service providers to strengthen and support the wellbeing of these new and emerging refugee populations. The program has two components that work in tandem: building community capacity and building capacity within mental health services.

 

Clinical Capacity Building with Refugee Populations

The clinical component aims to support and strengthen the skills of mental health and other health services in providing culturally responsive mental health services to newly arrived refugees.
Clinical capacity building activities include:

  • Partnering with key agencies and stakeholders to enhance cultural responsiveness to the mental health needs of refugee populations through committees and stakeholder meetings
  • Training and education for mental health staff (clinicians and administrative staff) and health services, including emergency departments. For more information about this training click here
  • Development of resources and mental healthcare pathways for service providers to support culturally responsive mental health assessment and intervention with refugee populations.
 

Community Capacity Building with Refugee Populations

The aim of the community component is to improve mental health and wellbeing among newly arrived refugee communities, with a focus on prevention and staying well. Early intervention initiatives concentrate on mental health literacy, stigma reduction and pathways to care.

Activities are undertaken in partnership with community agencies and include:

  • Mental health and wellbeing information sessions with community groups, as well as service providers who work closely with communities.
  • Distribution of mental health and wellbeing resources, including language-specific resources.
  • Initiatives are tailored to community and service provider needs.
 

TMHC Resources and Information about Refugees


  • So, E., Cassaniti, M., Garan, N., & Ingham, K. (2023). Culturally Responsive Emotional Wellbeing Clinical Services for People with Refugee or Asylum Seeker Experiences. Transcultural Mental Health Centre. Parramatta, NSW.

    This report evaluates the Transcultural Mental Health Centre's 'Emotional Wellbeing Clinic' (EWC). 
    Download a copy of the report here (PDF 2.6MB)

Service Providers for Refugees

For further information about the 'Strengthening the Mental Health of New and Emerging Refugee Populations Program' please email us at [email protected].