Join Our Membership for exclusive discounts and resources
Taunet Mental Wellbeing Department
As an incorporated community organization in Melbourne, Taunet Nelel is comprised of several departments that work collaboratively with one another. In this way, it ensures the interests of its members and the community at large are protected
Mental wellbeing is an core part of the Taunet Nelel community member's health
TAUNET NELEL MENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN
Mission Statement
To provide culturally sensitive mental health guidance, support, and resources to the Kalenjin Community in Melbourne, with a special focus on international students, fostering resilience, awareness, and overall well-being.
VStatement
To build a thriving, inclusive, and supportive Kalenjin community in Melbourne; where mental health awareness is promoted, stigma is eradicated, and individuals can access the guidance and tools necessary to enhance their well-being. Success will be reflected in improved mental health literacy, reduced stigma, and greater community participation in wellness activities.
Strategic Objectives
1. Promote Mental Health Awareness: Increase understanding and reduce stigma around mental health within the community through culturally appropriate campaigns, storytelling, and education.
2. Resource Navigation: Provide detailed pathways for accessing mental health services, including referral options, crisis helplines, and government programs.
3. Support for International Students: Address the unique challenges faced by international students and immigrants related to mental health, such as cultural adjustment, financial strain, and academic pressure.
4. Community Engagement: Foster connection and belonging through culturally appropriate activities, group discussions, and outreach programs.
5. Capacity Building: Develop a sustainable mental health committee that includes leaders, volunteers, and professionals to oversee and drive initiatives.
6. Collaboration: Partner with mental health service providers, cultural leaders, universities, and local organizations to enhance community access to professional support.
7. Prevention and Early Intervention: Focus on preventative measures such as education on stress management, coping mechanisms, and promoting early help-seeking behaviours.
General Mental Health Statistics in Australia
Overall Prevalence:
Approximately 1 in 5 Australians (20%) experience a mental health issue each year.
42.9% of people aged 16-85 years have experienced a mental disorder at some point in their life.
21.5% of people had a 12-month mental disorder, with anxiety being the most common group (17.2% of people aged 16-85 years).
38.8% of people aged 16-24 years had a 12-month mental disorder
Suicide Rates:
Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15-44. In 2022, approximately 3,200 Australians died by suicide.
Impact on Migrants and International Students:
International students are at increased risk of experiencing poor mental health due to isolation from families, cultural differences, academic pressures, financial stress, and language barriers
A 2020 study found that international students experience higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to domestic students..
Language barriers, lack of social support, and limited knowledge of mental health services contribute to these outcomes.
Mental Health Goals
Raise Awareness:
1. Develop culturally tailored mental health workshops and campaigns to address stigma and misinformation.
2. Engage cultural leaders, elders, and mental health professionals to ensure workshops align with Kalenjin cultural values and practices.
3. Conduct community surveys and focus group discussions to identify specific mental health concerns and topics most relevant to members.
4. Utilize resources from organizations experienced in multicultural mental health, such as Beyond Blue or Mental Health Australia, to provide information to members.
5. Incorporate culturally sensitive storytelling, traditional practices, and language-specific resources into workshops to enhance accessibility and relatability.
Provide Guidance and Connect Members to Services:
1. Serve as a point of contact for community members, offering clear pathways to professional mental health services.
2.Develop resource kits with practical information on accessing support.
3. Establish partnerships with organizations such as Beyond Blue, Lifeline, Headspace, and multicultural health services.
4. Provide contact details for crisis services and culturally sensitive professionals.
Support International Students:
Host sessions specifically for students, addressing cultural adjustments, academic pressures, and financial stress.
Culturally inclusive Support:
Ensure mental health efforts respect Kalenjin cultural values, traditions, and identity by incorporating cultural leaders and elders into discussions.
Promote community Wellness
Organize group activities to foster connection, inclusion, and well-being.
Build a Mental health Committee
Create a dedicated team to lead initiatives, coordinate events, and collaborate with local mental health organizations..
Useful websites and resources
1. Department of Health Victoria https://www.health.vic.gov.au/mental-health.
2. Mental Health Foundation Australia MHFA Support Group meetings connect people living with different mental health issues. Group members gain strength and support from each other. They learn new ways of coping through shared feelings, knowledge, information and ideas.
The groups are free. There is no need to book but it is helpful to let them know you are planning to attend, especially if it is your first time
https://supportgroup.mhfa.org.au/groups. Visit the link provided and choose the group you’d like to attend.
3. The Black Dog Institute also has an excellent range of online tools and mobile apps developed and tested through research trials that you can access for no cost through their digital tools and apps page.
https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/digital-tools-apps/
4. Head to Health is a collaboration between the Australian Department of Health, the community and the mental health sector. Through this website you can access over 500 digital resources to support your wellbeing and mental health. https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/
5. Lifeline is A national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.https://www.lifeline.org.au/
6. Beyond Blue Information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Reminder, there is an abundance of mental health supports both online and in-person; it is impossible to list them all. Always provide members the option to reach out to the mental health committee and/or Taunet Nelel Leadership for specific tailored supports/needs.
EMERGENCY HELP LINE IN VICTORIA
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/mental-health-services/telephone-and-online-services
