The Compeer program, which looks to combat mental illness through friendship, has been extended to include Australians who speak English as a second language.
The program sees mental health nurses match participants, who are called 'Friends,' with volunteers based on age, gender, interests, hobbies and availability.
The pair will meet regularly over a 12-months period - activities aimed to help break social isolation, and to improve their quality of life and self-esteem.
The organisation is on the hunt for volunteers to assist in the implementation of an extended program, and Chinese communities are among the first to be targeted.
Each year, one in five Australians is diagnosed with mental illness. Many more would experience social stigma.
Speaking to SBS Cantonese, Compeer coordinator Dr Bibiana Chan indicated that mental illness may go underdiagnosed within the Chinese communities due to social stigma.
She said it was believed that in Chinese communities one should only report what would be deemed "good for the family and friends" while concealing worries and sadness.
However, since doctors are highly respected within Chinese communities, patients are usually willing to open up to their GPs and keep them informed about their physical symptoms, such as insomnia and headaches.
This could facilitate their doctors to find out more directly about the patients’ emotional condition, thus ensuring they could receive the required treatments where necessary.
Dr Bibiana Chan Source: SBS
Dr Chan pointed out that one of the challenges in extending the Compeer program was to alert potential volunteers that they don't have to be health professionals, but ordinary people who want to help and build genuine friendships.
Pillars to make Compeer successful
To make the Compeer program successful, it is vital to have support from health professionals (psychologists, GPs etc), friends and volunteers.
For this program extension that focuses on Chinese communities, Dr Chan has reached out to various Chinese-Australian health professionals.
She is also looking for volunteers and health professionals who can speak Cantonese or Mandarin and who are over the age of 18.
Once selected, Compeer volunteers will be trained.
Dr Chan also encouraged people who recovered from mental health challenges to volunteer, for they can share their experiences and inspire others who are in the early stages of their recovery journeys.
After the 12-month program, participants would become “alumni” and they would be invited to join Compeer gatherings.
From volunteering to building friendships
Christopher Cheng has been a Compeer volunteer for over three years.
He experienced depression after he migrated to Australia more than 10 years ago.
After his recovery, Mr Cheng looked for opportunities to help others in similar situations.
As a quality engineer, he also volunteers at Red Cross and SVDP during his free time.
He is also a tele-counsellor and a life coach.
Over the 12-month program, Mr Cheng has met up regularly with his Friend for ten-pin bowling, snooker, and movies together.
Coming from different cultural backgrounds, Mr Cheng and his Friend also introduce their traditional food to each other.
