Reciprocity in Education: A Model of Interactive Learning Between Migrant Communities and Mainstream Mental Health Services

Procter NG¹*

1. University of South Australia – City East Campus, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

This paper describes an innovative model of engaging CALD communities (Persian from Iran; Cambodian and Italian) in interactive learning on depression (defined broadly and in a culturally sensitive way) with mental health care providers. The model developed to do this was based on principals of reciprocity, social capital and capacity building. Reciprocity is taken to mean exchange of views; ideas and beliefs surrounding mental health need and care.

This development of the model was based upon the fundamental beliefs that an absence of local services and lack of culturally appropriate or sensitive services can and will prevent access of communities to effective assessment of, and treatment for, mental health problems across the life span. CALD community people directly involved in the project were given the opportunity to learn from each other about the nature and scope of mental health experiences as they relate to and intersect with feelings of loss, sadness and depression.

This understanding was developed through practical exchange of values, ideas and beliefs between mainstream mental health workers and migrant communities. To this end this model adds to existing forms of mental health literacy, networking and information exchange between mental health service providers and ethnic communities.

Click here to view the full paper