Category: VTMH Workshop

Rural and Regional Approach Initiative

Posted on September 3, 2024 by - VTMH Workshop

We are pleased to provide a mid-year update on the Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) Rural and Regional Initiative Project. Our efforts have been met with significant success, delivering three highly engaging and impactful Foundations of Culturally Responsive Practice (FOCR) workshops for Goulburn Valley, Bendigo and Ballarat mental health services in May, June and July respectively.

This workshop introduces participants to principles that inform culturally safe practice, while encouraging the exploration of practical skills to enhance diversity and responsive mental health practice. The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the relevance and practicality of the content provided.

Additionally, our project staff presented at two Department of Health (Mental Health Division) led Local Implementation Team (LIT) forums in Warrnambool and Shepparton during May. These forums provided an excellent platform for showcasing VTMH’s work, sharing insights, and networking with other professionals committed to improving mental health services. Our presentations were well-received, sparking meaningful discussions and fostering collaborative relationships that will undoubtedly benefit our ongoing initiatives.

In a further testament to our project’s reach and impact, Barwon Health invited VTMH to present to 54 new mental health clinicians during its orientation day in February. This session was a valuable opportunity to introduce our work, share key resources, and emphasise the importance of culturally responsive mental health care. The engagement and enthusiasm from these new clinicians was encouraging, and we look forward to supporting them as they begin their careers in mental health services.

Thank you to everyone involved for your dedication and hard work in making these achievements possible.

Abie and Ben (VTMH R&R Approach Initiative Team)

Foundations of culturally responsive practice – latest blended learning approach

Posted on August 5, 2020 by - VTMH Workshop

Staff from STAR Health recently explored VTMH’s Orientation to Cultural Responsiveness, a self-paced learning module, attended a live zoom session, and will soon use small group reflective sessions to discuss core concepts and themes and explore areas that they want to consider in more depth.  

We’re excited about the possibilities of this new approach, for our ongoing work with STAR Health and beyond. An evaluation is currently underway. 

VTMH Cultural Diversity Workshops for Mental Health Practitioners in 2019

Posted on April 3, 2019 by - VTMH Workshop

Participants in ‘Cultural Responsiveness: Introduction Principles and Practices’ 2019 workshops have valued: 

‘new theories and ways of working’,
‘alternative approaches’,
‘updated research and knowledge’ and
‘the positive attitude of the presenters around cultural diversity’

We’re collaborating with the Victorian Mental Health Learning and Development Clusters initiative to offer free workshops to Victorian public mental health services and we regularly review and update what we offer.
Mental health practitioners, including nurses, case managers, psychologists, social workers, or, people working in mental health services including project workers or team leaders, are encouraged to register in the following events.
Download the VTMH Workshop Calendar 2019 here

Register for a new VTMH Workshop

Posted on July 2, 2018 by - VTMH Workshop

This year, two new workshops are being offered as part the cluster training calendars. These are designed for individuals who have previously attended VTMH introductory training and would like to deepen their understanding and skills for everyday practice.

Recovery and Diversity: Approaches to Cultural Assessment and Supporting Personal Recovery

Upcoming Dates:
Thursday 4th October via the Western Cluster 

This workshop uses a diversity lens to explore contemporary approaches to recovery-oriented practice in mental health settings, including working with individuals and families in their social and cultural context, and integrating social and cultural concerns into personal assessments and recovery plans.

Interpreted Encounters: Working with Interpreters and Engaging with Language and Culture in a Mental Health Setting

Upcoming Dates:
Thursday 16th August via the South East Cluster (LAMPS)
Thursday 13th September via the North Eastern Cluster (NEVIL)

This workshop is designed for all practitioners engaging with interpreters, and will consider the applicability of cultural safety and cultural humility in interpreted encounter, explore the role of the interpreter and the practitioner, and discuss engagement strategies prior to, during and after the interpreted encounter. 

Introductory training also continues to be held, with four sessions run to date (in rural Victoria and metro Victoria).There are three more sessions scheduled for the remainder of the year.

2018 VTMH workshop schedule now available Download here. For more information, visit the VTMH Training & Events calendar here. For staff not eligible for training via the Victorian Learning Clusters, VTMH offers many ways to learn, including online resource and seminars.