The Department of Human Services (DHS) Mental Health branch identified refugees as a priority group for improved access to health and community services.

The Refugee Health and Wellbeing Action Plan 2005-2008 described the need for a mental health service response to this population.  Service utilisation data, from both Clinical Mental Health and Psychiatric Disability Rehabilitation and Support Services (PDRSS), indicates that culturally diverse communities including refugee populations are significantly under-represented.

The Refugee Mental Health Access Liaison Project (RMHALP) was initiated following a 2008 Norwood Association research project working with the Sudanese community. 

The RMHALP is working strategically to embed pathways and relationships between refugee services, refugee communities and mental health providers to develop referral pathways, cross cultural knowledge of mental health and responsive mental health services. The project aims to create awareness of mental health services amongst refugee communities and promote culturally competent service delivery to these communities.

For more information about the Refugee Mental Health Access Liaison Project call (03) 9365 9500 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it