2020 has been an unprecedented year and the impact on mental health has been significant, with a quarter of the Australian population experiencing mild to moderate depression and anxiety. For South Sudanese Australians navigating multiple cultures, the pandemic adds additional strain to existing challenges, including the impact of racism and the taboo nature of mental health discussions.
“Mental health is a big issue and sometimes we deny it, which can lead to serious mental breakdowns if left without tackling it,” an older South Sudanese Australian told us.
To help improve the mental health of young people, South Sudanese Australian communities in Western metropolitan Melbourne developed and are currently delivering community led interventions. Together with TACSI these initiatives were supported by cohealth and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Led by young people, ten ideas were developed, with three of these then delivered and evaluated with community members. The three ventures have now been in implementation for five months and are ready to continue delivery, showcasing the resourcefulness and creativity of South Sudanese Australian communities.
The Culture Party is an event on Instagram Live celebrating South Sudanese Australian talent and simultaneously conducting live interviews with artists about mental health and wellbeing. The first live Culture Party was watched by more than 600 South Sudanese Australian young people.
Using film to share stories of older and younger generations and break down barriers. A ‘day in the life of’ film to help generations see life through each other’s eyes.
Recruiting, training and employing young people who have a lived experience of mental ill health to support other young people. Could be running workshops and speaking about their experience, normalising mental ill health within the community.
Using film to share stories of older and younger generations and break down barriers. A ‘day in the life of’ film to help generations see life through each other’s eyes.
Bringing together Indigenous young people and South Sudanese Australian young people to connect and learn from each other’s unique experience.
Fun, social opportunities to learn and practice culture. It could be dancing, theatre in Dinka, wrestling; young people would be involved in the organisation.
Come together in a safe space to share tea and medida (South Sudanese porridge). Share cultural information and do South Sudanese trivia. This program has been trialled with success already by Next in Colour and young people wanted to see it expand.
An online platform hosted by young people to open up and facilitate conversations with older South Sudnaese Australians about mental health and wellbeing. This idea builds on the existing platform of ‘Talk with Me’.
Titan Debirioun has run a music program that aims to connect the South Sudanese diaspora. The idea would be to restart and expand this program, helping young people express their identity through music.
A male-led self-care day: relax and take care,while also learning about managing stress, anger, anxiety.
Three ideas were selected by South Sudanese Australians as the most likely to improve mental wellbeing outcomes. Under the umbrella name “South Sudanese Minds”, these ventures moved into delivery with young people leading the way.
These ideas and ventures have great momentum, and now we’re seeking partners to continue this energy and community. The opportunity is to support cost-effective, shovel ready projects, working with a strong and committed group of young people to make a difference to wellbeing in the South Sudanese Australian community.
An aspiring Screenplay Writer/Filmmaker and Youth Worker, I am passionate about my community and actively advocate for young people and their Mental Health & Wellbeing in the South Sudanese Community.
[Written on Nayndng’s behalf] Nayndng joined the project to work on ‘Culture Party’, bringing their creative skills and networks to the team. Nayndng has been co-hosting Culture Parties and asking guests reflective questions about how they take care of their mental health in order to work toward their goals.
Hi I’m Anthony Aguang William Malouk Majak Daw, I’m from a South Sudanese background. I’m working on “Conversations Between Generations”. We aim to normalise tough conversations around mental health, asking for help, navigating life’s challenges.
I originate from South Sudan, grew up in Uganda and moved to Australia at the age of 10. I am studying a diploma of information and youth work. I joined this project because I want to run this mental health project in the South Sudanese community for young people and parents who are going through challenges and hard times in Australia.
My name is Nanchok Chol and I have been a Delivery Lead for the “Conversations between Generations” which focuses primarily on creating more awareness and conversations about mental health within the South Sudanese community. Mental health is a very taboo subject within my community.
[Written on Atoug’s behalf] Atoug has been working on ‘Culture Parties’, doing important work behind the scenes to help everything run smoothly.
Young People of the South Sudanese Australian Community within the Western metropolitan of Melbourne would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, of which this project and research were conducted on.
Young People of the South Sudanese Australian Community acknowledge that sovereignty had never been ceded in Australia, and we extend our efforts and support to the First Nations and Indigenous people in the upheaval of justice and righting wrongs.
The young people of the South Sudanese Australian Community pay their respects and acknowledge the collective efforts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people as leaders and community advocates.
To Elders past, present and emerging of the Kulin Nation, we pay our respects, and extend our respects to Indigenous and First Nations, Nation-wide.
© TACSI 2020