Online Multicultural Young Women's Mental Health Forum 2026
Description
Online Multicultural Young Women's Mental Health Forum
Wednesday, 28 October 2026 | 12:00PM - 1:30PM (Melbourne time)
Online via Zoom | Free Registration
As part of Mental Health Foundation Australia’s 8th National Multicultural Mental Health Month, join us for an insightful and empowering conversation led by multicultural young women from counselling, social work, and community services backgrounds. Drawing on their lived experiences, professional knowledge, and community perspectives, our presenters will explore the unique mental health challenges and strengths of multicultural young women in Australia.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that mental health conditions are common among young people, with young women aged 16-24 experiencing particularly high levels of psychological distress and mental health service use. Research also highlights the growing impact of financial pressures, housing insecurity, and barriers to accessing culturally responsive care for multicultural communities.
Topics include:
Cultural identity, belonging and intergenerational experiences
Study, work, achievement and self-worth
Stigma, vulnerability and help-seeking
Cost of living pressures, financial stress and career uncertainty
Access, affordability and culturally safe mental health care
Friendships, relationships and social expectations
This forum provides a safe and inclusive space to hear diverse perspectives, foster meaningful dialogue, and explore practical pathways to support the mental health and wellbeing of multicultural young women.
This webinar is proudly presented by Mental Health Foundation Australia as part of the 8th National Multicultural Mental Health Month 2026.
Promoting Better Mental Health for All
Meet our presenters
Ichhapreet Kaur, Host & Presenter
Originally from Kashmir, India, Ichhapreet Kaur is a Master of Social Work intern at Mental Health Foundation Australia. With experience in community services and a passion for music, she believes in meaningful human connection. She is committed to amplifying women's voices, challenging mental health stigma and fostering culturally inclusive communities. She hopes to inspire conversations that break barriers and build a sense of belonging.
Shiuli Rai, Presenter
Shiuli is in the final year of her Master of Counselling degree. She takes a person-centred, trauma-informed and strengths-based approach, creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where clients can explore their experiences. With experience working in schools and universities, she supports people navigating life transitions, depression, anxiety and relational difficulties. Shiuli is passionate about culturally humble counselling practices and strives to ensure every client feels heard and understood.
Anne Kinyanjui, Presenter
Anne Kinyanjui is a Master of Social Work student currently undertaking her second and final placement at Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA). With a background in disability, aged care, and community services, she is passionate about promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting psychosocial wellbeing. Her interests include culturally responsive practice, social inclusion, and improving access to equitable, person-centred mental health support.
Christine Perera, Presenter
Christine Perera, a Master of Social Work (Qualifying) student from Acknowledge Education and has an experience of being an Attorney-at-Law from Sri Lanka. As a mother, friend and partner, she understands the many roles and expectations women carry from childhood. She is passionate about supporting people facing mental health challenges, raising awareness, and helping them connect with the support they deserve.
Daphne Nguyen, Presenter
Daphne Nguyen is Master of Social Work Intern, she has completed two placements in mental health settings. She is passionate about understanding the significant impacts of mental health on people every single day, exploring conditions beyond anxiety and depression, and advocating for greater awareness, reduced stigma, and the importance of seeking support when experiencing mental health challenges.
Jaismeen Kaur, Presenter
Jaismeen is a community services student doing her placement at MHFA. she is interested in multicultural women's wellbeing. through her placement, she is developing knowledge of community support and inclusive practices. she aims to develop her skills and support people from diverse backgrounds.
Ping Han, Presenter
Ping is a Community Services student completing her placement at Mental Health Foundation Australia. She is interested in young people’s mental health and helping people from diverse backgrounds. Through her placement, she hopes to learn new skills and gain more knowledge to better understand and support people who need help.
Aliza Raut, Presenter
Aliza is a Bachelor of Community Services student currently doing placement at MHFA. She is passionate in young people mental health, ethnic diversity and social well-being. Her training and placement experience are helping her build communication, teamwork, and inclusive support skills. She is committed to improving awareness, decreasing stigma, and supporting accessible mental health care for diverse communities.
Xiao Ren, Presenter
Xiao is a Community Services student completing a placement at the Mental Health Foundation Australia. She is interested in multicultural women's health, cultural identity and mental well-being. Through this placement, she hopes to deepen her understanding of the life experiences of people from different cultural backgrounds and enhance her ability to promote inclusiveness, a sense of belonging, and community well-being.
Assumpta Kimeli, Presenter
Assumpta is a Community Services student on placement in mental health. Through researching bipolar disorder, she has learnt that recovery is not linear and that stigma shapes who seek help. Guided by empathy and reflection, she aspires to a career in mental health support, advocating for inclusive, culturally responsive care.
Alisha Chapagain, Presenter
Alisha is a Bachelor of Community Services student who enjoys learning about mental health and finding ways to support others. She is passionate about helping people feel heard, understood, and supported. Through her placement, she hopes to gain hands-on experience, learn from others, and contribute to the community by promoting mental health awareness and helping people connect with the support they need.
Cecilia Liu, Presenter
Cecilia Liu is a passionate community services student based in Melbourne, dedicated to empowering women and supporting multicultural communities. She is particularly interested in mental health, social inclusion, and women's wellbeing. Through her internship, she hopes to develop practical skills, gain valuable experience, and contribute positively to meaningful community initiatives.
Anjalee Polwaththage, Presenter
Anjalee is a Bachelor of Community Services student completing her placement at MHFA. Through this experience, she has gained valuable insights into mental health, particularly bipolar disorder, while developing skills in empathy, active listening and cultural sensitivity. Passionate about helping others, she aims to promote mental health awareness, inclusion and culturally responsive care.
Karen Joy Guinoban, Presenter
Karen is a second-year Bachelor of Community Services student at Acknowledge Education. Her love and passion for serving the community, especially those who are underprivileged, keeps her motivated to keep growing and become better at what she does. She is committed to making a real difference in people’s lives through compassionate, dedicated service.
Dilmaya Chhetri, Presenter
Dilmaya is a Bachelor of Community Services student on placement at Mental Health Foundation Australia in Rowville. With nearly five years of aged care experiences, she is passionate about helping others. She believes everyone deserves kindness, respect and support, and hopes to build her skills in supporting people mental health and their wellbeing.
Shikshya Sapkota, Presenter
Shikshya Sapkota is a community Services student who enjoys learning about mental health and the different experiences people go through in life. During her placement at Mental Health Foundation Australia, she is gaining experience in mental health research, community projects and teamwork. She hopes to use what she learns to make a positive difference in people's lives.
Shreya, Presenter
Shreya is currently studying a Bachelor of Community Services and completing her placement at Mental Health Foundation Australia. She is interested in learning more about mental health, different cultures and the challenges young women face. Through her studies and placement, she is gaining a better understanding of how people's backgrounds, experiences, and everyday situations can affect their wellbeing. She believes it is important to listen to others, understand their experiences, and make sure they feel supported. Shreya hopes to continue learning, develop her skills, and use her experience to make a positive difference in people's lives.
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