Mental health & wellbeing
Mental health is shaped by more than individual circumstances. Discrimination, gender inequality and gender-based violence all impact the mental health and wellbeing of women, girls and gender-diverse people.
We work with partners across Melbourne’s east to build understanding of these factors and to promote effective, gender-responsive, culturally safe responses.
- Mental health and wellbeing are essential to overall health.
- Mental illness is a serious public health issue, and it’s affected by a person’s gender.
- Women have higher rates of mental illness than men across all age groups, they also experience
- higher rates of anxiety, depression and eating disorders
- twice the rate of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- higher rates of self-harm and suicidal behaviour.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women with disabilities, refugee and migrant women, young women, intersex, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer women and incarcerated women experience worse mental health outcomes.
Our work
Financial literacy, better wellbeing
Financial security is critical for health and wellbeing. Women, girls and gender-diverse people are more likely to experience financial disadvantage due to factors such as the gender pay gap, unpaid caring responsibilities and lower retirement savings. These inequalities can have a lasting impact on mental health and wellbeing.
Our 3-part financial literacy course covers practical topics such as budgeting, managing money and where to get support. It helps women build confidence by understanding the links between financial literacy, financial security and wellbeing.
A focus on migrant and refugee communities
Our bicultural team plays a unique role connecting women with the information, support and community networks that are so vital for good mental health and wellbeing. By working closely with community leaders and local partners, we deliver culturally safe programs are tailored to community need are accessible to those who need them most.
Money Matters
Financial security is a key driver of mental health and wellbeing. Yet many women face barriers to financial independence, confidence and economic participation.
Money Matters is a practical financial literacy program that helps women and gender-diverse people build the knowledge, skills and confidence to make informed financial decisions. Delivered by an accredited financial counsellor, the program covers real-world topics such as budgeting, financial planning, managing financial stress and accessing support when needed.
Designed for community groups, local government, education providers and service organisations, Money Matters can be tailored for different communities and audiences.
Interested in delivering Money Matters with your community or organisation? Contact us at health@whe.org.au to discuss a tailored fee-for-service program.
Gender equality walks
Women’s experiences and perceptions of public spaces differ to that of men. Women are more likely to feel unsafe in public spaces and that a space is not designed with them in mind. This is particularly true for women who experience other intersecting forms of marginalisation.
Gender equity walks put lived experience at the centre of urban planning, helping create public spaces that are safer, more inclusive and better meet the needs of diverse communities.
Find out more about our walks or read our report on creating safe and inclusive public spaces.
If you’re interested in a tailored gender equality walk, contact us on health@whe.org.au to find out more about our fee-for-service option.
A transformative approach to women and girls’ mental health
This two-part webinar series explores the factors that influence mental health and wellbeing, and how services and organisations can better support women and girls through inclusive, gender-responsive approaches.