MHFA Be Well Multicultural Webinar Series - 26 July 2022, 2:00pm - 3:00pm (AEST)

Educating and Supporting Punjabi-speaking Communities

Australia is a culturally diverse country. In Victoria, about half of the residents speak language other than English. The population of
multicultural communities, immigrants and refugees from different countries will continue to raise issues for all mental health services
in the coming future.

More than a quarter (28%) of the Australian population are first generation Australian born overseas. The best evidence is that
newcomers bring that country of origins attitudes and prejudices to mental illness with them. Illness & suicide rates appear to be
consistent with their country of origin, although more research needs to be done.

However, people from multicultural backgrounds may be at greater risk of experiencing mental health difficulties and suicide and
face barriers to accessing services and supports. Those who do not speak English, including the most recently arrived, refugees and
asylum seekers may be more vulnerable to risk factors.

With that the Mental Health Foundation Australia, aims to raise awareness about mental health issues in different languages for the communities. We are starting off the series with a webinar presentation in Punjabi.

About the presenter - Dr Gurprit Ganda

Gurprit is the founder of Potentialz Unlimited and a trained Clinical Psychologist. She is registered with Psychology Board of Australia with an endorsement for Clinical Psychology, Australian Psychological Society (APS) and College of Clinical Psychologists within APS. She has over 15 years of clinical experience and currently practices from her practice Potentialz Unlimited in Bella Vista, Hills District of Sydney.

Gurprit knows how to connect and gently persuade her clients to adopt the therapeutic learnings in their life. Her warm and caring attitude helps bring out the best in them. Besides English she can converse with clients in Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu.