Course gives participants confidence in dealing with mental health concerns
22 Aug 2025
The first round of Mental Health First Aid for Vietnamese communities wrapped up in Cabramatta on Wednesday, 13 August.
The 12-hour training was split over four sessions led by peer worker at Towards Zero Suicide/South Western Sydney Local Health District, Tam Nguyen.
SWSPHN funded the training under the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Bilateral Schedule.
Attendees included Vietnamese carers, volunteers and community members with an interest in mental health who are living in South Western Sydney.
Participants said the course made them feel more “confident when talking to and supporting people going through mental health challenges” and more informed on “where to find help”.
SWSPHN Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Luisa Dematos, joined the group on their final day for lunch where they shared a tasty Vietnamese meal and talked through their key takeaways from the course.
The training was supported by the Vietnamese Australian Welfare Association and held at the Cabravale Senior Citizens Centre.
The next course is planned for October and will be delivered in Bankstown area.
Vietnamese families, carers and other community members who have an interest in mental health education/information are welcome to attend. Email minhtam.nguyen@health.nsw.gov.au to register for the session.
SWSPHN-funded Mental Health First Aid for Vietnamese communities was a success with participants saying they now feel ‘more confident when talking to and supporting people going through mental health challenges’.
