Knowledge Hub

The FASSTT network has released an information sheet for communities, educators and health professionals to understand the impact of international conflict on people who have experienced refugee-related trauma and how to respond.

The resource outlines common signs of trauma in adults, children and young people, how people can access urgent support if they are concerned about someone’s wellbeing, as well as details about the support FASSTT agencies can provide to communities across Australia and how to refer people to our services.

Released 8 November 2023. 

Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centre provides this booklet to help you: Recognise the signs of suicide; and Talk with someone you are worried about who may be thinking about suicide or showing signs of wanting to end their life.

This booklet is translated into 24 languages, including: Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, Farsi, German, Haka, Hazaragi, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Karen, Korean, Maori, Nepalese, Polish, Punjabi, Rohingya, Russian, Samoan, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tamil, Thai, Tigrinya, Vietnamese

The Multicultural Access and Equity Policy is about ensuring that Australian Government programs and services meet the needs of all Australians, regardless of their cultural and linguistic backgrounds, by the Department of Home Affairs 

Abstract

Australia is a multicultural and linguistically diverse country. Despite the vital role of religion/spirituality in the mental health of people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, it is not commonly included in their mental health care. A rapid review was conducted to critically evaluate the studies that identifed relevant religious/spiritual aspects regarding mental health care for CALD communities. After a systematic search and screening, sixteen empirical studies were included. The fndings of the review suggest that people from CALD backgrounds draw strength and comfort from their religion to support mental health. Religious/spiritual practices were identifed as efective mental health strategies by CALD people. Religious leaders were noted to be important sources of mental health support and guidance for individuals from some CALD communities. Collaboration of religious leaders in the mental health care, and integration of religious/ spiritual practices into mainstream mental health interventions, may improve mental health care for people with CALD backgrounds. 

Author: Shikha Malviya

Published online: 13 February 2023

Journal of Religion and Health (2023) 62:2272–2296, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-023-01761-3

Families living in Australia from refugee backgrounds can experience ongoing trauma when instability and conflict arises or escalates in their country of origin.

This tip sheet developed by Foundation House (The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture) provides useful information on what schools and services can do. 

With funding from the Australian Department of Health Settlement Council of Australia (SCOA) has worked with member organisations to provide culturally relevant and timely opportunities for CALD community members to access COVID-19 vaccine information. This report details the program and future recommendations.

Mental Health Australia has commissioned research to inform broader stigma and mental health research in CALD communities. This research focuses on Congolese, Arabic-speaking and Mandarin speaking Communities. A Report which details the research findings and recommendations is available.

This research was undertaken by Western Sydney University.

Australia needs a mental health workforce that is able to respond to the diversity of the population. We must develop an informed, skilled, flexible and reflective workforce with strong leadership in order to deliver successful strategies that improve access, quality of  care and recovery services for CALD clients. 

This fact sheet was developed by Mental Health in Multicultural Australia (MHiMA), 2014

A resource for service providers engaging with interpreters in transcultural situations, by Victorian Transcultural Mental Health

NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARRTS) has updated its guidance document “Working with People from Refugee Backgrounds: A Guide for Social Workers (2022)”