VTMH Seminar October 2025: Cultural bereavement and its lasting impact on migrants and refugees

Amongst most clients we see within our organisation’s practice, there is an almost underlying silent grief of missing ‘home’ that carries mental distress more complex than cultural shock. Identified as cultural bereavement, this includes loss of identity and an unidentified anxiety and/or depression that may surface late in life and can affect 2nd and 3rd generations.

The presentation will discuss:

• Experiences gained through meaningful service provision especially in light of significant challenges
• Recognising and responding to cultural bereavement
• Keeping this cohort engaged and connected to the larger community 

About the speaker:

Lucy is a bilingual Counsellor and Meditation teacher and is the Coordinator for Counselling and Dementia Support services programs with PRONIA.  She has presented at various conferences on the importance of CALD specific services for migrant communities and in particular the Greek community.  She leads two teams under the two programs – Counselling and Dementia services, supporting vulnerable individuals and families through collaboration, person centred support and development of culturally appropriate resources and service responses.

VTMH seminars are open to individuals, from all disciplines and working in all sectors, who are based in Australia and interested in diversity and mental health.