Tamil Safe Space opens in Wentworthville to support Suicide Prevention in the Tamil community

Anglicare Sydney has worked with the Tamil Community in Western Sydney and Roses in the Ocean on a range of suicide prevention initiatives, including codesigning a new Tamil Safe Space in Wentworthville as an important suicide prevention measure to support the local community.

This initiative is in response to the Tamil community’s experience of suicides and mental health challenges in recent years, and the ongoing intergenerational trauma following prolonged civil conflict in their country.

The Tamil Safe Space provides a welcoming, non-clinical environment for people dealing with suicidal ​thoughts or emotional distress, with support from trained Tamil-speaking peer support workers. It is volunteer run and provides compassionate and empathetic ​support from Peer Care Companions who have a lived experience of suicide. These volunteers have received comprehensive training from Roses in the Ocean ​to support individuals in distress.

Michael Sheedy, Head of Mental Health at Anglicare Sydney said, “We hope the Tamil Safe Space opens more conversations and provides culturally safe support for the local community by the local community. There has been a growing need for ​mental health support in the Tamil community, and to address the ​taboo and stigma associated with mental health and suicide.

“The space offers an alternative to emergency departments, providing nonclinical and culturally safe support to alleviate their distress. We hope this new safe space will normalise ​seeking help for emotional distress and support suicide prevention within the community.”

Dr Thava Seelan, a GP working with the Tamil Community said, “As a General Practitioner, I have noticed an increase in mental health issues among Sri Lankan Tamils, including refugees and others impacted by the conflict, as well as first-generation Tamils, which has unfortunately seen an increase in suicidal distress within this community. The establishment of the safe space is a milestone, offering an environment where individuals from this group can seek help, and improve their wellbeing in a place which will reduce language barriers and offer culturally appropriate care.”

Sneha Anthony, a representative from the Safe Space Committee said, “There are multiple factors which hinder individuals from seeking assistance when struggling with mental health issues. These include stigma, and a lack of awareness, education and understanding. Although I am not of Sri Lankan Tamil background, my lived experience of suicide loss as an ethnic person has made me aware that these challenges are particularly prevalent across ethnic communities, including the diverse Tamil ethnicities and diasporas globally. The establishment of this Safe Space is a significant step towards addressing these barriers for the community.”

Layne Stretton, Lead Facilitator from Roses in the Ocean said, “The Tamil Safe Space represents a major shift in the support for suicidal people within culturally specific communities. The Safe Space will provide culturally appropriate help for people in distress who have limited alternatives due to stigma, shame or an inability to communicate their living experience with someone from community, that understands and cares.

“The enthusiasm and courage that the Tamil people have shown in challenging beliefs, recognising the signs of suicidality and learning how to reach in and support a community member, has inspired the Roses in the Ocean team. I believe that it can also inspire other communities to look at new models of support for their own communities. “

Opening hours: From September, first Friday of the month from 6.00-9.00pm, then from November: Fortnightly on Fridays from 6.00-9.00pm

Location: Wentworthville Community Centre (Grevillea Room)

Website: https://tamilsafespace.org.au/

Media contact:

Lauren White, Head of Communications
lauren.white@anglicare.org.au