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The Annual Forum of the Monash Interfaith Gathering was held on the 5th of September at the Clayton Theatrette. This year's theme was 'Mental Health - A Multicultural Perspective'. The forum was well attended by a cross section of the community, including people from various faith and ethnic backgrounds as well as members from the allied medical profession supporting mental health.

The Forum was officially opened by Councillor Bill Pontikis from Monash City Council. There were two keynote addresses:

• Mr. Daryl Oehm, Victorian Transcultral Mental health Unit who spoke on "Religion and Responsive Mental health Care", and
• Dr Irene Bouzo, Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria who spoke on advocating for improved services and quality of life for older migrants and refugees with mental health issues

Both these speakers set the stage for a very interactive panel discussion. Daryl in his talk touched on the need for faith communities to be better educated on dealing with mental issues in the community and the stigma associated with it.  Irene spoke about the need to have a better understanding of the issues facing new migrants and refugees especially those coming from regions of trouble and trauma. The three panellists were:

• Shyama Fuad, Psychologist and former Counsellor at Monash University, who spoke on the youth related issues and cross cultural barriers
• Catherine Riak (Christian) is a Partnership Worker in mental health at the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre- Uniting Care Community Options - Glen Waverley who spoke about the care and support needed for those dealing with family members, etc going through mental health issues, and
• Mandy Davidson, who spoke of her experience from the point of view of a client and carer set the stage for a very lively discussion

Key message points that many took away and which the Monash Interfaith Gathering will be focussing on in future are:

(a) Mental Health is a problem that needs to be addressed by both faith and community leaders
(b) Mental Health affects all and not just one group in the society/faith/culture
(c) Issues that lead from mental health can lead to domestic violence, drug abuse, problem gambling
(d) Faith leaders need to be trained- in mental health awareness and also know their limitations and when to seek professional help
(e) People need to take time to “listen” to those in need
(f) Less judgement more support
(g) BE THERE for each other irrespective of faith or culture

by Mohamed Mohideen OAM, JP
Monash Interfaith Gathering