As a science high school teacher, I was always passionate about mentoring and talking to young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds about their wellbeing. It was only until I started to put ‘pieces of the puzzle’ together did I realise the prevalence and struggle of young people and the unspoken impacts of mental health struggles. After completing a course in mental health first aid in 2017, I realised that being equipped with skills and a framework to assist others was key.

Using my passion for education and pedagogy, I quickly came to realise that education is an important vehicle in breaking down stigmas and taboos in my both my communities. Five years on, and having worked in the mental health space in workplace, community and school settings inmental health and suicide prevention, Educaid is seeking to create a movement that will change the narrative around mental health and wellbeing in culturally diverse and religious communities.