The Australian Government has launched mental health and community wellbeing support services to address the psychological harm and community distress caused by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza region. As the Western Sydney Primary Health Network, we are collaborating with Central and Eastern Sydney, Northern Sydney and South Western Sydney Primary Health Networks (PHNs) to deliver these services.
This program involves commissioning grants for local stakeholders and organisations to foster resilience and social connectedness. It also addresses the loss, anxiety and heightened distress resulting from the recent international events.
PHN Mental Health Response Coordinators have conducted extensive consultations with key stakeholders to better understand the needs of affected communities and how to create a supportive system for effective assistance and navigation. This feedback shaped a small grants strategy aimed at delivering programs that enhance mental health literacy, promote proactive help-seeking, reduce isolation and stigma and improve the capacity of local services to provide culturally informed care.
The following service providers are delivering their services in Western Sydney through the success of our Wellbeing and Resilience Grant project:
- Australian National Imams Council: aims to enhance the mental health knowledge, literacy and understanding of Imams, equipping them with skills to offer culturally appropriate support, locate and navigate mental health services for their congregations and advocate for mental health resources within their communities
- Educaid: aims to enhance community resilience, boost mental health literacy and improve access to mental health services for Palestinian communities. It offers group-based healing circles and educational programs in schools, workshops and community centres
- Gaza Association: seeks to foster social connectedness, mental health and wellbeing while enhancing resilience through physical activities, traditional art and dance and a variety of community events
- Palestinian Christians in Australia: aims to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of the Palestinian Christian community through an immersive experience that integrates narrative therapy, storytelling and the celebration of cultural heritage
- Self-Actualize: delivers biopsychosocial assessments to women and their children (as needed) through an outreach model to support impacted Palestinian families
For more information, please visit our Population Health webpage or email us at gazamentalhealth@wentwest.com.au
Information is correct as of 21 November 2024.