Mental Health Awareness Month
Published at 02-10-2025 15:40:03
When Lived Experience Leads the Way
October is Mental Health Awareness Month in Australia – and in Victoria, a time to hear from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. In 2025, the National Multicultural Mental Health Month, run by the Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA), encourages broader awareness efforts by emphasising the power of lived experience to guide meaningful change.
Why Focus on Multicultural Mental Health?
Australia is a richly diverse nation, and Victoria reflects this diversity in its communities, cultures, languages and stories. But that diversity also brings unique challenges when it comes to mental health:
- Stigma and misunderstanding can be compounded by cultural norms, beliefs, and taboos.
- Barriers to access may include language, lack of culturally appropriate services, or fear of being misunderstood.
- Isolation and marginalisation may affect migrants, refugees, and their families, especially in new environments.
- Lack of representation in decision-making or service design means that mental health services may not fully resonate with or be accessible to all communities.
The MHFA campaign recognises that listening to lived experience, the insight of people who have navigated their own mental health journeys, is a vital foundation for reducing stigma, building trust, and ensuring services truly meet diverse needs.
Theme 2025: Lived Experience Leads the Way
This year’s theme for National Multicultural Mental Health Month is ‘Lived Experience Leads the Way’. The theme calls on individuals, organisations, and communities to shift from passive awareness to active change. To amplify voices of lived experience, to co-design supportive environments, and to foster spaces where people feel heard, valued, and empowered.
In practise, this means:
- Creating platforms (events, forums, panels) for people to share stories and insights.
- Ensuring mental health services and messaging are inclusive, culturally safe, and responsive.
- Engaging communities in designing supports so they’re more relevant, trusted, and effective.
- Using arts, storytelling, film, and creative media to express complex experiences and connect across differences.
What’s Happening in Victoria During October 2025
Official Launch – 4th October, Rowville
The 7th National Multicultural Mental Health Month launches on Saturday 4th October at the Australian Indian Community Charitable Trust in Rowville. The evening will feature cultural performances, the National Consumers Art Competition, and the announcement of the 2025 Mental Health Awards, all celebrating diversity, lived experience, and community connection.
Film Festival – 30th-31st October, Melbourne
The Multicultural Mental Health Film Festival will run over two nights:
- 30th October: Australian short films + live Q&As
- 31st October: International short films + awards ceremony
These screenings showcase the power of storytelling to connect communities.
Community Conversations
Throughout October, MHFA will host ‘Let’s Talk’ forums for cultural groups across Victoria, such as African, Arabic, Filipino and Italian communities. These gatherings provide safe, culturally grounded spaces to share experiences and strengthen support networks.
How You Can Get Involved
- Attend an event: From the launch and film festival to local forums, there are opportunities across Victoria.
- Share your story: Lived experience is at the heart of this year’s theme.
- Get creative: Submit art, film, or performances that highlight mental health journeys.
- Advocate in your community: Start conversations at schools, workplaces, or faith groups.
- Support MHFA: Through donations or volunteering to sustain programs and services.
Why It Matters for Victoria
With its rich cultural diversity, Victoria benefits when mental health awareness is inclusive and community-driven. By centring lived experience, we reduce stigma, improve access, and ensure services resonate across all communities.
For more information, please visit:
National Multicultural Mental Health Month