THE OPEN EXCHANGE
The Open Exchange is a social enterprise committed to supporting men of all ages, from migrant and refugee backgrounds with a special focus on social support, mental health literacy and well-being.
Formed around a placed based community, contributors gather monthly in locations across Victoria to participate in ‘’narrative therapy’’ sessions, involving telling stories, engagement in discussions, and quiet contemplation.
The project is supported in part by grants, and in part by training services and counselling/coaching services delivered by contributors to the network.
Our purpose is to address social isolation, disconnection, and low mental health literacy particularly amongst men from migrant and refugee communities.
This training helps mobilise and empower adults by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to recognise, understand and respond to colleagues or community members experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis.
Learn how to assist a colleague or community member who may be developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem or in a mental health crisis, until appropriate professional help is received, or the crisis resolves using a practical, evidence-based action plan.
This is an accredited MHFA course that provides MHFA accreditation to every participant who successfully passes.
We offer a variety of Counselling, Coaching and Wellbeing services to strengthen and empower your emotional and social wellbeing, so you can align with your goals and purpose, and be empowered to reach your highest potential.
Whatever you’re dealing with, whether it’s relationship troubles, ongoing stress, anger, or depression, our combination of counselling and life coaching can help by empowering you with practical tools, guidance and a listening ear.
Sessions occur in a confidential, non-judgemental and peaceful environment, in person, or virtually. Choose the practitioner that feels right for you from our incredible team.
To encourage members of the community to access a regular safe space where they can share their personal challenges and deep dive into different topics and apply the learnings to their own life circumstances.
The spaces are facilitated by leaders with mental health first aid accreditation, and/or a counselling background, who can raise mental health literacy and help community members access counselling and other health services.
