Building Culturally Inclusive Social Support Groups

Opening English-speaking Social Support Groups (SSG) to people with no or low English proficiency can be challenging, and staff and volunteers may find themselves at a loss when trying to ensure participants feel welcome and included.  Language specific SSG will always have a place and provide great value and connection for participants.  However, there are not always groups available for every language or cultural group, there can be long wait lists for these groups and there will always be people who wish to join an SSG that is not CALD specific.  Building culturally inclusive SSG have multiple benefits to the group, participants and for wider community cohesion.  
Help Sheets - Developing inclusive social support groups 

Introduction to the resource
Help sheet 1 - Putting the person at the centre
Help sheet 2 - Language and culture
Help sheet 3 - Activities and interest
Help sheet 4 - Transport
Help sheet 5 - Partnerships
Help sheet 6 - Engaging staff and volunteers
Help sheet 7 - Joining a group - the client journey
Help sheet 8 - Case study - Mountain View Cottage

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Supporting  mainstream social support groups to be culturally inclusive  
Consultation report
The ESDT celebrates the diversity of the EMR and actively supports our funded service providers to make their services inclusive and accessible for everyone.  We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and pay respect to elders past and present.

The ESDT is supported by the  Victorian Government and the Australian Government Department of Health. Visit the Department of Health website (http://www.health.gov.au/)  Disclaimer: Although funding for this website has been provided by the Australian Government, the material contained herein does not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Australian Government. 

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