Newly arrived people in our community need a little extra care and attention, Chris Hayes, the Federal Member for Fowler has told a forum.
“Our local community is the most multicultural in the country, and while this is something we should truly be proud of, it is also important to acknowledge that there are certain unique challenges faced by our newly arrived residents,’’ Mr Hayes told the Mental Health Forum organised by the Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre.
The federal MP was one of a number of guest speakers and panellists at the forum, which brought together local service providers and experts.
The aim of the forum was to identify issues and discuss ways to tackle mental illness in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“The process of migration often follows hardship and trauma that leaves lasting marks while the adjustment to a new culture, without a familiar support network, can itself be very difficult”, Mr Hayes told the forum.[/social_quote]
“It is important to acknowledge that some in our community need the extra care, support and resources to maintain good mental health and emotional wellbeing.’’
Kamalle Dabboussy, the chief executive officer of the Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre told the forum that when it comes to funding for mental health in CALD communities, it should be “viewed as an investment into our collective future, rather than simply a cost.’’
Other speakers and panellists at the forum (pictured above) included Doctor Ghayath al-Shleh, a Liverpool GP, Maria Cassaniti, Centre Manager from Transcultural Mental Health Centre, Andrea Pritchard, Team Leader and office manager for counsellors at STARRTS Liverpool, Chris Jones, Senior Coordinator at Partners in Recovery and Jimmy Mtashar, a case officer.
