Cultural adaptation of SOLAR for African women in Melbourne

On top of other experiences of trauma, a pandemic can be devastating and urgently increases the need for evidence-based care that can address the unique access barriers that people from these groups frequently experience.

The pilot has been created in recognition of the strain that has been particularly great for some of the most marginalised people in our community trying to deal with the impacts of COVID-19.

Some of those impacted include women who are already isolated by virtue of their cultural or linguistic background and may be distanced from family and friends in precarious situations abroad, as well as women from refugee and displaced backgrounds with previous experiences of trauma.

During the pandemic, many people were extremely stressed about the health and safety of family members overseas who don’t have the same support and resources available to them to deal with the virus. Feeling helpless, worried and disconnected from friends and family was identified as causing immense stress and strain on mental health, including the African women involved in the pilot.

Although professional mental health services exist to support people experiencing significant mental health challenges, many people, particularly from marginalised groups, feel reluctant to engage with mental health services given cultural safety and sensitivity concerns.

For others, the cost can be prohibitive. In many cases, people are looking for some extra skills, coping strategies and social supports that can help them navigate their own pathways towards recovery outside of the formal mental health service system.

This pilot is being led by Dr Kari Gibson, psychologist and Research Fellow at Phoenix Australia. In collaboration with Western African Cultural Association leaders Istanbul Serar, Amran Elmi, and Amal Hassan-Ali, the project will co-facilitate a series of focus groups to inform cultural adaptations.