A Million Stories: Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing in Refugee Communities

This Refugee Week (14-20 June), we pause to recognise the strength, resilience, and contributions of people from refugee backgrounds. We also acknowledge the challenges they may face, particularly when it comes to mental health and wellbeing. This is especially important right now, as political and media narratives about multicultural and refugee communities continue to influence how they are understood, supported, and included.

This year’s theme, A Million Stories, reflects a significant national milestone: Australia has now issued one million permanent humanitarian visas. Behind this number are one million unique journeys shaped by courage, gratitude, hope, and the ongoing work of rebuilding homes. These stories continue to shape and enrich Australia’s social fabric. 

Starting life in a new country involves far more than finding physical safety. Many people encounter language barriers, unfamiliar systems, and cultural differences, alongside experiences such as separation from family, socioeconomic disadvantage, and racism or discrimination.  

For those who have fled conflict or persecution, the impacts of trauma can be profound and long-lasting. As highlighted in the recent Forum of Australian Services for Survivors of Torture and Trauma’s (FASST) A Promise of Care report recovery is not a short-term process. It unfolds over time, across families and communities, and requires connection, belonging, and culturally responsive support. 

Mental Health Australia’s Embrace Multicultural Mental Health Project recognises that mental health is central to the settlement journey. We are committed to supporting mental health services to better meet the needs of multicultural and refugee communities through the Framework for Mental Health in Multicultural Australia. This practical tool helps services to strengthen cultural responsiveness and deliver care that is shaped by the lived experience of multicultural communities. 

Providing accessible mental health information is also a key part of Embrace. We have just launched translated mental health resources in 18 languages, including our What is mental health? guide, to support understanding of wellbeing and pathways to care and build confidence navigating support systems. 

Embrace has also recently released a landmark research report, the State of Multicultural Mental Health in Australia. Drawing on national data, community consultations and the latest Australian research, the report provides a snapshot of how well Australia’s mental health system is supporting multicultural communities – and where gaps remain. 

We are presenting the research findings and recommendations in an upcoming webinar on Thursday 25 June 2026, 11am to 12pm (AEST). 

The report's findings provide a strong evidence base to inform policy, guide future research, strengthen service development and deepen sector-wide understanding to better support Australia’s multicultural communities.  

Addressing the mental health impact of challenges faced by refugee communities requires a shared commitment to equity, cultural responsiveness, and working in genuine partnership.
 
This Refugee Week, let’s reaffirm our shared commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, can access the support they need to live well. 

You can also visit the Refugee Week website to learn more and access helpful resources: www.refugeeweek.org.au