Our Programs and activities

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Our tailored programs build on the existing strengths, resilience and cultural richness of African communities.  We focus on improving mental health literacy, promoting emotional wellbeing, and reducing stigma around mental health through culturally responsive education, meaningful conversations and community connection.

We bring together people who may not usually share the same space, creating opportunities to learn from one another, strengthen understanding and build supportive relationships.  Through connection, education and open dialogue, we aim to empower African individuals, families and communities to recognise mental health challenges, seek support early and promote lasting community wellbeing.

  • Monthly Learning Circles & Roundtables

    Recurring sessions will bring community leaders and mental health service providers together to build a shared understanding, establish referral pathways, and inform organisational policies to make services culturally appropriate.

  • Community Consultations

    We will consult directly with stakeholders in the African community to guide what we deliver and how we deliver it, ensuring our work reflects lived priorities.

  • Workshops for Families

    Targeted sessions that increase mental health literacy and contribute to improved wellbeing in the African community of NSW.

  • Leadership Development

    We invest in developing community champions and peer leaders who can speak confidently about mental health in their own communities and will eventually carry this network forward independently.

  • Partnership Building

    We will expand relationships with like-minded health and mental health services so that the community will have more culturally safe and appropriate options to choose from.

  • Culturally Appropriate Resource Promotion

    We will co-design and disseminate mental health information in ways that are accessible, trusted within African communities and developed with cultural understanding and input.

What we’re working towards

  • Understanding & Trust

    AWSN aims to increase mental health literacy in African communities in NSW, reduce the stigma and myths surrounding mental illness, break the silence on the topic of mental health and build genuine trust between African communities and mainstream mental health services.

  • Access & Leadership

    We aim to improve access to mental health information and support and to increase participation and leadership in mental health initiatives.

  • Sustainability & Partnership

    We aim to strengthen the network so it can lead future activities independently, and to deepen partnerships with local health, mental health and community organisations that share our goals.