Mental Health Service
Mental health and wellbeing are at the heart of a strong community. That’s why Africause is dedicated to creating safe spaces where African-Australians can speak freely, find support, and rebuild confidence. We’re here to empower individuals and families to take control of their wellbeing and create lives filled with balance, purpose, and connection.
Culturally Responsive Mental Health Support
Africause provides culturally sensitive mental health and wellbeing programs for African Australian individuals and families. We understand the unique challenges facing our communities and offer compassionate, culturally informed support.
- Culturally sensitive counseling services
- Family and community support programs
- Multilingual mental health resources
About the Program
A transformative program designed to empower African-Australian women and their daughters with knowledge about human rights, personal safety, and health.
Program Objectives
To give African-Australian young women an introduction to human rights and its relevance to their lives, while demonstrating the importance of values within the family context. Mothers are invited to participate as a sign of respect and to empower them to impart their own values and life experiences to their daughters.
Program Topics
Partnership
Delivered in collaboration with Victoria Police and Women's Health services, providing comprehensive information and support.
Program Outcomes
At the conclusion of previous programs:
- 30 women and their daughters participated
- Some women valued the program so highly they took time off work to attend
- Participants gained enhanced knowledge and understanding of human rights
- Women developed capacity to make informed choices about their personal health and wellbeing
- Strengthened mother-daughter relationships and family bonds
Our Approach
- Culturally safe and trauma-informed support
- Understanding of migration, displacement, and settlement challenges
- Connection to appropriate mental health services and resources
- Community education on mental health and wellbeing
- Support for families navigating mental health systems
We Support
- African Australian families
- Individuals experiencing mental health challenges
- Families seeking culturally appropriate mental health resources
- Community members needing referrals to mental health services
Why Choose Our Support?
We provide comprehensive, culturally informed mental health support that understands the unique experiences and challenges of our community members.
Cultural Understanding
Support that respects and honors your cultural background and experiences
Family-Centered
Assistance for the whole family in navigating mental health services
Connected Care
Direct connections to qualified mental health professionals
Why Africause?
Culturally Safe
We understand the cultural context, values, and experiences of African Australian communities.
Trauma-Informed
Our approach recognizes the impact of migration, displacement, and settlement challenges on mental health.
Community Connected
We work with trusted mental health professionals and services to ensure appropriate support.
Holistic Support
We address mental health within the broader context of family, community, and cultural identity.
Crisis Support
If you're in crisis, please call:
Contact Us
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Office Locations
Footscray VIC 3011
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our mental health and wellbeing services
Do you provide direct counselling services?
We work with qualified mental health professionals and can connect you with appropriate culturally sensitive services.
We don't provide direct counselling ourselves, but we'll help you find the right professional support.
What languages do you speak?
Our team speaks multiple languages. Please inquire about specific language support when you contact us at (03) 9042 1604 or info@africause.org.au, and we'll ensure we can accommodate you.
Is the Empowering Women program currently running?
Contact us at (03) 9042 1604 or info@africause.org.au for information about upcoming program dates and registration.
Programs run throughout the year based on community interest and availability.
What is the Empowering Women Health & Wellbeing Program?
It's a transformative 10-week program designed to empower African-Australian women and their daughters with knowledge about human rights, personal safety, and health.
The program covers:
- Human rights and their impact on daily life
- Safety for women in and outside of the home
- Sexual and reproductive health
- Education and access to services
- Understanding Australian systems and support services
- Building self-esteem and confidence
- Mother-daughter communication and relationships
Delivered in collaboration with Victoria Police and Women's Health services.
Previous program outcomes:
- 30 women and their daughters participated
- Some valued it so highly they took time off work to attend
- Participants gained enhanced knowledge and understanding
- Women developed capacity to make informed choices about their health
- Strengthened mother-daughter relationships and family bonds
Why do mothers and daughters attend together?
Mothers are invited to participate as a sign of respect and to empower them to impart their own values and life experiences to their daughters.
This approach demonstrates the importance of values within the family context while introducing young women to human rights and its relevance to their lives in Australia.
Can you help me find a mental health professional?
Yes, we can connect you with culturally appropriate mental health services and support.
Africause works alongside qualified mental health professionals to support and better understand the needs and challenges facing our communities. We provide connection to appropriate mental health services and resources.
What does "culturally safe" mean?
Culturally safe support means we understand the cultural context, values, and experiences of African Australian communities.
We provide care that respects your cultural background and doesn't judge you for your beliefs or practices.
What is "trauma-informed" support?
Our trauma-informed approach recognizes the impact of migration, displacement, and settlement challenges on mental health.
We understand that many in our communities have experienced trauma and we provide support that doesn't re-traumatize but helps you heal safely.
What is Community Mental Health Support?
Africause works alongside qualified mental health professionals to support and better understand the needs and challenges facing our communities in Footscray and Melbourne's western suburbs.
We provide:
- Culturally safe and trauma-informed support
- Understanding of migration, displacement, and settlement challenges
- Connection to appropriate mental health services and resources
- Community education on mental health and wellbeing
- Support for families navigating mental health systems
We support:
- African Australian families
- Individuals experiencing mental health challenges
- Families seeking culturally appropriate mental health resources
- Community members needing referrals to mental health services
Are your programs free?
Many of our community programs are free. Contact us at (03) 9042 1604 or info@africause.org.au to discuss specific programs and any associated costs.
I'm worried about a family member. What should I do?
Contact us at (03) 9042 1604 or info@africause.org.au and we'll discuss your concerns.
We can help you understand what support is available and connect you with appropriate services.
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Emergency Services: 000
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help! Get in touch with our team for more information.
Contact Us Today