Often isolated and facing cultural and language barriers, New Zealand’s Asian migrant families can now turn to a new service for support.

 

Support Stream is a recently launched service to help migrant families manage their mental health and wellbeing. The service is there as a support system for anyone who may be dealing with Anxiety or Depression from isolation or the challenges of moving to a new country.

 

The latest Department of Labour Migration Trends Key Indicators Report shows compared with the period July-December 2013, there was an increase in new residents from China (up 7 per cent) from the previous year.

 

The numbers of permanent residents are from the two largest Asian source countries, China and India respectively. The increase in Asian migration may mean these communities will require support as they adjust to New Zealand life and culture.

 

Support Stream’s Practice Leader and Occupational Therapist Shelley Southgate says many people are unaware of the stress people face when they migrate to a new country.

 

“People may experience stress due to the immigration process, assimilating into a new culture and may have language barriers that stop them for meeting neighbours and making friends. Those born in New Zealand might feel caught between NZ culture and their Asian culture which also creates stress and increases pressure.”

 

Shelley says people are often shy about asking for support and often try to deal with their problems within the family.

 

“Asian family members are usually the client’s main support when they are unwell. However, when it comes to mental illness, both clients and family can be overwhelmed by the feelings of shame and stigma. Therefore supporting families and educating them is as important as working with the clients,” she says.

 

Support Stream offers Education Support to those feeling overwhelmed with the demands of immigration.

 

The service works in partnership with the clients’ GP or health professional to ensure an integrated approach. Through Support Stream, clients are first assessed by a registered health professional who ascertains their level of required support.

 

In addition, the Wellness Coaches work alongside existing school support service providers and oftentimes with the client’s family. This method helps ensure an integrated approach.

 

The Wellness Coach will then work individually with a client to develop a tailored wellness plan to ensure they are able to practically apply the recommendations received during counselling sessions and are able to achieve their wellness goals.

 

A wellness plan may include an exercise and nutrition plan, a daily schedule to help manage overwhelming homework and study demands, relaxation and mindfulness strategies or support to join a co-circular activity.

 

The initial assessment is $120 for a personalised wellness plan and a fee of $30 per hour. Support Stream is available in Auckland’s Central, Eastern and Southern regions.

 

Issues that have an impact on wellness/wellbeing

·         Drop in personal socio-economic status following migration

·         Inability to speak the language of the host country

·         Separation from family

·         Lack of friendly reception by surrounding host population

·         Isolation from persons of similar cultural background

·         Traumatic experience or prolonged stress prior to migration

·         Adolescent or senior age at time of migration can make the transition in the culture difficult

 

Support Stream can support people to:

·         Link and access with community resources

·         Engage in wellness strategies and outline wellness plans to manage stress

·         Support families with education and other supports

·         Education support for those studying away from family members

 

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