Women face multiple and intersecting pressures and inequalities that can lead to poor mental health at different life stages. These issues can be further compounded for women in our region due to experiencing multiple barriers to accessing mental health services and information that is appropriate, culturally sensitive, free from discrimination, affordable, and safe.
The WHLM Women Rising exhibition, launched in Cohuna as part of the Women Rising report launch, featured more than 50 decorated sticks created by women who attended Women Rising focus groups held in Loddon Shire, Gannawarra Shire, Central Goldfields Shire, Campaspe Shire and the Rural City of Mildura. The sessions, which provided women with the space to create their exhibition pieces, gave participants from flood impacted communities the opportunity to reflect on their individual and shared experiences as part of the recovery process following the 2022 floods. In addition to Cohuna, the exhibition was also showcased at the Kerang Library and the Echuca Library.
“I personally have a better understanding for the need of women and girls to be involved in disaster planning in country towns across our region, the importance of women sharing experiences and supporting each other.” – visitor comment
“Let’s Talk Mental Health” is a recently developed workshop offering from WHLM, aimed at multicultural women living in the Loddon Mallee Region. Key topics covered include understanding mental health and wellbeing, identifying challenges, wellbeing supports, responding to people experiencing mental distress, and navigating the mental health system.
Three “Let’s Talk Mental Health” sessions have been held in Kerang and Bendigo over the last year, aimed at Filipino, Karen and Afghan Hazara communities. The sessions, delivered with the support of translators, were well received, with participants reporting an increase in knowledge and skills.
WHLM has provided expert advice and support to the Mount Alexander Get Connected Social Prescription project since its establishment in 2021. In particular, our input was aimed at supporting the working group to apply an intersectional gender lens to identify potential barriers for women, including women with a disability, women from culturally diverse backgrounds, and those from low-income homes to participate in the program.
As part of the Be.Bendigo Business Stories, Mental Health Promotion Lead Alison Jones took part an episode discussing the gendered impact of disaster on regional and rural women’s wellbeing, the effects of social isolation and loneliness, and the increase in older women experiencing homelessness.
