The Western African Cultural Association has been awarded a $2000 grant to be used to improve mental health and wellbeing.
The group’s secretary, Amal Hassan Ali, said the funding would be used to hold a series of workshops aimed at encouraging people to open the discussion on mental health.
“I saw that [the grants were] targeted towards mental health and our organisation we care about the wellbeing of the African community living in the Western Suburbs, our main focus is in Wyndham,” Ms Hassan Ali said.
“Mental health has a stigma in the African culture and we thought why not create a program that targets and educates the young people.
“By providing a safe environment, young African Australians are able to address challenges that otherwise may not be shared in other spaces.
“African Youth Connect embodies a culturally responsive approach of engaging and supporting young African Australians to improve their mental health through community connection and skills obtained through workshops.”
The group also uses sport, such as basketball, to help keep members connected.
The Western African Cultural Association is one of 70 community organisations across the country to receive a 2022 Australia Post Community Grant of up to $10,000.
