SPEAKERS

Prof. Michael Olasoji (Federation University & Alfred Mental & Addiction Health)
Erin Joyce (Alfred Mental & Addiction Health)

Topic

As acknowledged during the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, access to equitable and culturally safe mental health services for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds remains problematic due to a variety of factors. There is limited published work that has examined the role of bicultural workers (BCWs) within mental health settings.

The overall aim of this joint research study is to explore the role and benefits of engaging Bicultural Workers in the delivery of mental health care within acute and community based mental health services.

This presentation will introduce attendees to the project and learn about its findings to date. Victoria’s new Mental Health and Wellbeing Act includes diversity and cultural safety principles aimed at improving access to equitable and culturally safe and responsive mental health care for all Victorians. It is hoped this research will contribute to the discourse in this space.

About the speakers

Prof. Michael Olasoji

Professor Michael Olasoji is a Professor of Mental Health Nursing at Federation University and the Research Lead at Alfred Mental and Addiction Health. He has worked across various mental health settings for a number of years and has also worked within academia. His research focuses mainly on exploring better outcomes for consumers with lived experience. 

Erin Joyce

Erin Joyce is a Social Worker and Community Development Practitioner and currently holds the role of Senior Advisor, Diversity and Inclusion at Alfred Mental and Addiction Health. Her career spans the fields of human rights, international development and mental health and psychosocial support and has seen her work in many cross-cultural environments in Australia and abroad.

Eligibility

VTMH seminars are open to individuals, from all disciplines and working in all sectors, who are based in Australia and interested in diversity and mental health.  

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