VTMH News

The following feedback was written by Bawi Phun Kul, Social Work student at Victoria University, following a 15 week placement with Victorian Transcultural Mental Health. 

    Firstly, thank you Daryl and all for giving me the opportunity to do my placement here at VTMH. It has been a great experience to be here and I am very appreciative for this privilege. Honestly, I was feeling overwhelmed and lost in the first couple weeks being amongst such highly educated and experienced staff but everyone warmly welcomed me, was inclusive, and has been so respectful, humble, open and honest, and this placement has been the best placement ever with so many opportunities. So thank you all very much. 
 
    I had 11 professional development opportunities during my placement which included trainings, workshops and seminars. I  was also very appreciative to have the opportunity to participate in small research task and community development and I learnt much from these. So thanks to Shehani and Nadya. 
 
    I have mentioned this before, I think that VTMH is advance by one generation because there is no hierarchical and bureaucracy structure. I found that there is spirit and mutual respect within the organization. 
 
    I think all VTHM staff fit with its organisation’s values and beliefs because everyone is demonstrating cultural sensitivity and respectfulness. You might not see yourself as an advocacy organisation but I see VTMH as advocating for people from diverse cultural background and I thank VTHM as a person from diverse cultural background. According to what I have seen from evaluation data and speaking to a participant from another organisation, VTMH is very influential and achieving what it’s aiming to achieve. 

    I have been learning many things including cultural and mental health from this placement and improve my knowledge a lot. I have learnt how to be humble, respectful, culturally sensitive and responsive from each of you. This placement really improved my skills and knowledge that make me ready and highly confident to get out there and work in any field. I also have met all of University’s criteria and got a very good feedback from my liaison officer. If I was going to finish my study successfully, you all are a part of my journey, without your support I wouldn’t be able to be at this stage. This placement not only beneficial for me but it is also very beneficial for my community. So thank you so much for all your supports throughout my placement. 
 
Bawi Phun Kul has been on a 15 week placement with VTMH as part of the final year of his Social Work degree at Victoria University. VTMH was delighted to have Bawi with us for this time, and wish him the very best for his future studies and career.