Staff from our Barwon region were recently invited by Cultura to present to a group of Karen people who had recently arrived from Myanmar to settle in Australia.
Cultura is a service that works with culturally and linguistically diverse communities in the Greater Geelong region. They offer a range of services that include settlement services, youth and community programs, arts programs, community services and aged care.
This was the second year that OV had presented to this group. Last year there were only eight people in attendance so similar numbers were expected this year. Staff were pleasantly surprised to see the room quickly fill up with close to 30 people.
At first the group was timid, however, they slowly opened up to ask some interesting questions about substance use. They also taught us about aspects of substance use in their culture and shared their own personal experiences.
Despite having to communicate through an interpreter, the group was welcoming. Our clinicians felt privileged to have been able to connect and have a meaningful conversation on a topic that is often surrounded by stigma and shame.