Supporting Chinese-speaking families through community connection

More than 50 members of Perth’s Chinese community, including parents, grandparents and other community members attended a recent parenting forum in Ardross to learn about child development, mental health and the support services available to families across Western Australia.

Hosted by Chinese Mums Association WA and funded by the Office of Multicultural Interests, the Child Development and Family Support Forum brought together professionals from a range of backgrounds to share practical information and guidance with Chinese-speaking families.

Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) staff were invited to present on common child and adolescent mental health concerns, when families may benefit from seeking professional support, and the services available to children and young people.

Representatives from Child and Adolescent Community Health (CACH), Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and the CAHS Consumer Engagement team participated in the event, helping families better understand how to access support and navigate the health system.

The forum was delivered in a culturally responsive environment, with information shared predominately in Mandarin to improve accessibility and help families engage with important health information.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many participants stayed after the presentations to speak with guest speakers, ask questions and learn more about available support services.

Parents described the information as practical, relatable and easy to apply in everyday family life. Many said hearing complex topics discussed in Mandarin made a significant difference to their understanding.

One participant shared, “I finally understood everything,” while another commented, “This information is so helpful.”

Chinese Mums Association WA is a not-for-profit organisation established in 2017 to support mothers and children within the Chinese-Australian community. The organisation provides a range of community programs, cultural events, parenting workshops and wellbeing initiatives that help connect and support families.

CAHS Coordinator Consumer Engagement Katie Browning said the forum highlighted the value of partnering with community organisations to improve access to health information and support.

"Working alongside trusted community groups helps us reach families in ways that are meaningful, accessible and culturally responsive," Katie said.

"By sharing information in families' preferred language and creating opportunities for open conversation, we can help build understanding, reduce stigma and encourage families to seek support when they need it."

The event marks the beginning of a growing partnership between CAHS and Chinese Mums Association WA, with both organisations committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of children, young people and families across Western Australia.

As families left the forum, many reported feeling more informed, better connected to available services and reassured that they are not alone in their parenting journey.