Diverse Responders Support

Empowering culturally diverse emergency responders in Australia with mental health resources and support.

39 per cent of emergency responders are diagnosed with a mental health condition at some point in their life. They are diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder at a rate two times higher than the general population. There is no shame in seeking help as an emergency responder when you suspect that you are ill or feel you cannot cope despite what others may say is a sign of weakness.

Among CALD communities there are unique barriers or difficulties that can arise to stop or limit the use of mental health services including experiences of racism, stress from migration, asylum and settlement and poor mental health literacy. Starting conversations about mental health and wellbeing in Australian culturally and linguistically diverse communities | Health Promotion International | Oxford Academic (oup.com)

CALDERN seeks to destigmatise mental health among CALD communities and emphasize the volume of evidence that the Emergency Response sector has matured and developed strategies to overcome traditional concepts of mental health strength.

Often the first interaction for Emergency responders especially after a traumatic event or a problematic workplace issue is seeking or discussing the matter with peers. It is unsurprising that persons often seek safe sources to destress or discuss issues of concern. It is difficult in an environment where there is a lack of representation of persons of a same or similar background as studies have established that the emergency responder space in Australia is overwhelmingly represented by "Able-bodied, Anglo-Celtic, heterosexual men".

CALDERN provides a list below of mental health resources below which members may find useful. CALDERN also welcomes any member contact on issues of concern through the email dignity@caldern.org or the contact form below