In light of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, South Eastern Melbourne PHN (SEMPHN) and North Western Melbourne PHN (NWMPHN) have commissioned some mental health services to help support Jewish/Israeli and Muslim/Arabic communities in Victoria. These services provide culturally appropriate support to individuals and families impacted by the crisis.
In response to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN) and North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) have commissioned mental health and wellbeing responses to help support Jewish/Israeli and Muslim/Arabic communities in Victoria.
Primary health networks are committed to the fundamental principle of health equity. This means recognising that the impacts of trauma arising from crises are not delineated by borders nor limited by faith.
Commissioned Services
Jewish/Israeli Community Mental Health Support Service (contracted by SEMPHN)
Jewish Care
Jewish Care is a not-for-profit organisation delivering services to the Victorian Jewish community.
Jewish Care has been commissioned to deliver a program specifically designed to:
- Help individuals and families navigate the service system and access support
- Coordinate brokerage funds to assist individuals to access mental health supports
- Engage with Jewish communal organisations and services to inform the development of culturally safe mental health resources and support offerings
- Deliver community seminars and education sessions.
The holistic nature of this service recognises that mental distress often occurs in the context of broader life challenges. It will help people meet their identified goals through culturally safe service delivery and trauma-informed practice, focusing on recovery.
Eligibility
Any Jewish/Israeli person living in Victoria who is affected by the ongoing crisis. Face-to-face and online service options are available.
How to Refer
Referrals can be made to Jewish Care via phone at (03) 8517 5999. Self-referrals are welcome.
The program is available until June 2025.
For more information, visit Jewish Care's website.
Muslim/Arabic Community Mental Health Support Service (contracted by NWMPHN)
The Centre for Muslim Wellbeing
The Centre for Muslim Wellbeing (CMW) is a leading provider of services that build flourishing individuals and vibrant communities in Victoria. It does this by creating bridges that connect individuals to their neighbours, their community, and society.
CMW has been commissioned to deliver support for Muslim and Arabic communities. The objectives are to:
- Promote early help seeking and support
- Equip key community stakeholders and services to appropriately respond to Muslim community members experiencing mental health problems or psychological distress.
CMW provides a list of culturally responsive mental health practitioners and services that meet the needs of multicultural communities. The list includes psychologists, counsellors, social workers and other health professionals. Provider information includes areas of specialisation, contact details, availability, cost and referral information.
Eligibility
All Muslim and Arabic people living in Victoria affected by the ongoing crisis are eligible.
How to Refer
Please call CMW on 0472 668 010 or email
admin@cmw.org.au.
For more information, visit The Centre for Muslim Wellbeing's website.
These services are designed to provide comprehensive and culturally sensitive support to individuals and families affected by the ongoing crisis, ensuring they receive the care and assistance they need during these challenging times.
South Eastern Melbourne PHN
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