Illawarra Multicultural Service’s Melissa Antoun, Kim McCausland and Shimaa Hegab with Cunningham MP Alison Byrnes and Coordinaire CEO Prudence Buist. Photo: Supplied.
A program empowering multicultural community members in the Illawarra to better understand and navigate disability support has received an almost $1 million boost to help continue offering the service for the next two years.
The Illawarra Multicultural Services’ Building Responsive, Inclusive, Diverse, Group Engagement or BRIDGE program has already seen great success in helping participants and their families build skills and independence within their community.
“BRIDGE is a living example of what happens when diversity, responsiveness, and inclusion move beyond words and into everyday practice,” Illawarra Multicultural Services CEO Kim McCausland said.
“It demonstrates the power of creating safe and culturally responsive spaces where people with disability and their carers are not only welcomed but also empowered to lead, learn, and thrive.”
After hosting more than 100 workshops and helping 76 participants, the not-for-profit has seen 90 per cent of those involved in the program reporting improvements in mental health and wellbeing, and 95 per cent saying they’ve increased their understanding of available services and support.
“Within BRIDGE, participants are invited to express themselves through art workshops, explore creative outlets that enhance mental health, and celebrate their cultural heritage in ways that build confidence and pride,” Ms McCausland said.
“We’ve seen fantastic results with participants telling us they feel seen for the first time, they’ve gained courage and discovered meaningful connection. BRIDGE really has been a catalyst for change in their lives.”
The program is just one way the organisation has been supporting culturally and linguistically diverse community members for more than five decades, with Illawarra Multicultural Services providing information, advice and referrals; drop in services; casework and case management; capacity building activities; advocacy; and financial assistance.
Now BRIDGE will continue to be a permanent part of their offerings, with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) funding the initiative through its Peer Support and Capacity Building program, providing more than $495,000 each year for the next two years.
“I am so delighted that the Albanese Government is providing nearly $1 million over the next two years to the Illawarra Multicultural Service to deliver this really important program,” Cunningham MP Alison Byrnes said.
“Ensuring that our CALD communities can access the available support is so important, but this program goes even further by helping to build their capacity and wellbeing so that they can fully contribute to community life here in the Illawarra.
“It’s so encouraging to be seeing real results already for local people with disability and their carers, with improved mental health and connection, as well as tangible job outcomes and increased support.”
To learn more about Illawarra Multicultural Services and its programs visit the IMS website.
