nib foundation and FECCA launch mental wellbeing program for PALM workers

nib foundation and the Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA) have launched a community-led initiative to strengthen mental wellbeing and improve access to support for Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers. 

More than 32,000 people participate in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme¹, contributing to industries and communities across regional and rural Australia. Many of these workers face challenges associated with living away from family and support networks, social isolation and navigating unfamiliar systems and services. 

Supported through nib foundation’s Partners for Health Equity program, Wellbeing Conversation Circles: Strengthening Mental Wellbeing for PALM Workers, FECCA will train community-based Wellbeing Champions in Queensland and Tasmania to lead culturally safe conversations about mental wellbeing and help connect PALM workers with available services and referral pathways. 

Being away from home and familiar support networks can make conversations about mental health and wellbeing even more difficult, which is why trusted connections within communities matter.

Drawing on FECCA’s experience working with multicultural groups and its established relationships with Pacific communities, the project will be co-designed with local communities to ensure it reflects their voices, experiences and needs.  

"Being away from home and familiar support networks can make conversations about mental health and wellbeing even more difficult, which is why trusted connections within communities matter. When these conversations are community-led, they can create a space for PALM workers to feel more comfortable speaking openly. Through this partnership, we're working alongside trusted local champions to build the confidence and knowledge needed to have these conversations and connect people with the right support," Priyanka Rai, Executive Director - Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative at FECCA said.   

The project focuses on prevention and early engagement to build understanding of mental wellbeing, strengthen social connections and increase confidence in seeking support.  

Health equity happens when communities are empowered to lead solutions that reflect their own experiences and strengths.

Amy Tribe, Executive Officer of nib foundation, said the partnership reflects nib foundation's commitment to supporting community-led approaches that advance health equity.   

"Health equity happens when communities are empowered to lead solutions that reflect their own experiences and strengths. We're thrilled to partner with FECCA, bringing together their deep community expertise to build local capability and leadership that supports lasting wellbeing outcomes for PALM workers," Amy Tribe said.

The project is supported through nib foundation’s Partners for Health Equity program, which invests in initiatives that help reduce barriers to care and improve health outcomes for communities experiencing greater health inequities. 

Ends

References: 
¹ Australian Government, PALM Scheme. PALM scheme data. Available at: https://www.palmscheme.gov.au/palm-scheme-data

About FECCA
The Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA) is the national peak body representing culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia. Through its network of more than 1,500 member organisations, FECCA works with communities, governments and service providers to improve equity, inclusion and wellbeing outcomes across the country.