Aim

The aim of the Consumer Program is to the raise awareness of mental health services of the issues confronting consumers from CALD backgrounds. A part time Consumer Advocate is available to provide advice to government, policy makers and mental health service providers on how the mental health service system can better deal with cultural diversity.

The role of the Consumer Advocate is to:

• Provide input to service agencies on strategies to work more effectively with consumers from CALD backgrounds
• To advocate the perspectives and interests of CALD consumers to mental health services and government
• To undertake community development initiatives with consumers in order to facilitate self and group advocacy; and
• To advise on priorities for CALD consumers in mental health services.

Projects

Advocacy:

The Consumer Advocate provides advocacy to government, policy makers and mental health services to improve the lives of CALD consumers.  The formation of the Spectrum of Cultures consumer group is an example of an initiative designed to empower consumers from various cultural backgrounds to advocate to the above-mentioned stakeholders. 

Spectrum of Cultures Mental Health Consumer Group:

Since 2005, a Mental Health Multicultural Consumer Group, Spectrum of Cultures, was set up by the Consumer Advocate in order to improve mental health services by voicing concerns and providing positive feedback at the local and statewide levels to stakeholders in the mental health system.

The group creates a trusting and safe environment where CALD consumers can have a say and be heard and respected through structured group meetings. The group offers essential support by providing activities offering socialisation and friendships between CALD consumers.   The group gears itself towards encouraging good mental health and independence. The group also challenges barriers to health such as stigma and difference.
 
Promoting participation in the community is encouraged through presentations by guest speakers from a variety of organizations.  Exposure to information enables consumers to learn what is available in the community, linking in if they are interested.  Group activities aim at promoting CALD consumers wellbeing and recovery. This network building activities generate integration of consumers with the wider community.

Consumers come together in this group because they share similar experiences, they want to get better and they have simlar interests.  By coming to the group, they know each others’ cultural background and they respect their differences.  This impacts positively on their wellbeing.

Consultancy

Examples of consultancy include:

• Offering CALD consumer expertise to the staff at the VTPU
• Networking closely with numerous organisations to ensure partnerships are established throughout the mental health service system in order to promote service improvement.
• Member of numerous planning and advisory committees focusing on consumers’ interests with an envisaged goal towards better recoveries for all.
• Victorian delegate of the Australian Mental Health Consumer Network (AMHCN).
• Chairperson of the National Ethnic Cultural Committee of the AMHCN.
• Member of the Multicultural Mental Health Australia consortium, representing the AMHCN.
• Providing expert consumer advice to government and stakeholders in the mental health service system.

Stigma Reduction Strategies

• Publishing stories of people from CALD backgrounds with mental illness in local newspapers, books and on community radio.  This initiative promotes awareness about the experiences of consumers and their ability to lead full and happy lives

Contacts

Evan Bichara
Consumer Advocate

Telephone: 9288 3335
Mobile:  0411 054 882
Email: evan.bichara@svhm.org.au