Culturally appropriate care

of people 65+ were born overseas

of people 65+ have a primary language other than English

Alcohol and other drug support for Vietnamese Australian women

The Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association provides AOD counselling, ongoing support, and information to the Vietnamese community within the NWMPHN catchment. As part of a broader wellbeing hub for Vietnamese people, the service is culturally sensitive and adaptable, integrating psychosocial and harm minimisation approaches.

Image supplied.

Muslim Youth, Adult, and Families program

This program offers specialised AOD support for young Muslim adults, young people and families. It is delivered by Odyssey Victoria, MyCentre Mosque, the Salvation Army and the Self Help Addiction Resource Centre.

Pictured: Some of Odyssey Victoria's Muslim Youth and Families team. (Image supplied.)

COVID-19 vaccination programs for at-risk populations

NWMPHN conceived and operated specific targeted activities, GP engagement, and homebound visit programs to ensure that at-risk communities within its catchment had access to free COVID-19 vaccinations.

The programs were designed to boost vaccination numbers in communities where vaccination rates were low and there were significant risks associated with COVID-19 transmission.

The activities had several priority cohorts, including older people, those with chronic or complex conditions, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and aged care residents.

Culturally responsive intake and training pilot

NWMPHN’s Mental Health Health Needs Assessment identified that people from some language communities and diaspora are not accessing mainstream mental health services due to stigma and previous poor experience.

In response, a pilot partnership with Pola Practice is testing the delivery of the Australian Government's Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool in a culturally responsive intake setting. 

It includes designing and delivering a training package for commissioned mental health service providers that improves capability and confidence.

Culturally safe suicide prevention training

A project with LivingWorks Australia provided ASIST and safeTALK culturally adapted suicide prevention training to people and communities affected by the 2022 Maribyrnong flood.

This enabled residents to recognise and respond to warning signs of suicide, and to know where and how to access supports.

It also funded four community members to become training facilitators, accessing under-utilised community knowledge and expertise by establishing trusted and respected community leaders as suicide prevention advocates.

Support for those affected by Middle East crisis

In recognition of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, NWMPHN and South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network commissioned mental health responses to support impacted communities in Victoria. 

Funded organisations provide culturally appropriate care to people affected by the situation.

Primary health networks are committed to the fundamental principle of health equity. This means recognising that traumas arising from crises are not delineated by borders nor limited by faith.