Thrive and Connect Program
Specialist Mental Health Care Services for CALD Communities
Program Description
The Thrive and Connect program at STTARS is a PHN funded program that supports people from culturally diverse backgrounds, especially those from refugee-like backgrounds, to achieve better mental health and wellbeing, so they can go from surviving to thriving.
The Thrive and Connect program is for:
- Adults aged 18 years and above
- Experiencing distress or mental health challenges, and are from
- Culturally And Linguistically Diverse backgrounds.
Our team offers:
- Low intensity support – this is offered by Bicultural Peer Support Workers who may have had similar lived experiences and have skills in supporting people to overcome challenges related to their mental health and well-being. A Bicultural Peer Support Worker will be able to walk alongside you to understand your stresses and mental health challenges, to validate your feelings, to share relevant information with you, to link you to services, and to offer you the option to participate in therapeutic groups.
- Clinical Care Coordination – this is offered by Mental Health Clinicians for those who present with more complex concerns relating to their mental health. A Mental Health Clinician can help you to understand and manage your symptoms related to your mental health, develop a recovery plan, teach you strategies to manage your symptoms, and coordinate and support you to make referrals to other helpful services and organisations to step up/step down in your care.
Referral information
- The STTARS mental health service for CALD communities is available for adults (18+) from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
- The program accepts referrals from all services including community services, health professionals, as well as self-referrals. Referrals can be made by phone 8206 8900 or email intake@sttars.org.au
Cultural Bridges for Well-Being
Cultural Bridges for Well-Being was developed to strengthen mental health awareness and support for culturally and linguistically diverse migrant and refugee communities.
Through videos in Arabic, Dari and Swahili, community members from the Arabic speaking communities, Afghanistan and Central Africa share personal perspectives on mental health, cultural understandings, stigma, and barriers to seeking support. The videos also explain the roles of different mental health professionals and services, helping to build understanding and confidence in help-seeking.
The final video features professionals from these communities, combining cultural understanding and professional experience to strengthen communication and connection with diverse communities.
Together, the series aims to bridge cultural gaps, reduce stigma, and support more culturally responsive pathways to mental health care.