In 2006, a Victorian mental health study indicated that people from non-English speaking countries were under-represented in specialist mental health services. It was suggested that this was due to service barriers and a lack of community awareness rather than a lower prevalence of mental illness (Stolk et al, 2008).

The October Statewide Multicultural Youth Issues Network (SMYIN) meeting will provide an opportunity for youth and settlement workers, as well as mental health services, to come together to explore what can and does work in engaging refugee and migrant youth people around mental health issues.

Presentations will explore the cultural dimensions of mental illness and mental health; issues faced by refugee and migrant young people in dealing with mental health issues; and avenues to develop more inclusive and accessible mental health services.

Participants will be invited to discuss strategies that could be used to engage with refugee and migrant young people around mental health issues. These 'good practice strategies' will be documented and used by Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities (ADEC) to inform the ongoing work of the sector.

For more information about this meeting call Claire Bramwell, CMY Policy Officer on 9340 3700 or email cbramwell@cmy.net.au.

Note there is limited on-street parking. Paid parking is available at Melbourne Museum (on Rathdowne Street) or Lygon Court (entrance on Dummond Street).