The Open Exchange is a place based mental health and well-being initiative committed to supporting men of all ages, from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
To address social isolation, disconnection, and low mental health literacy particularly amongst men from migrant and refugee communities
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.
Facilitator (Whittlesea)
Vinay is a multicultural mental health counsellor and facilitator based in Epping. He runs the Stride network, which is about collaborating with like-minded individuals to create spaces for stories and perspectives around mental health, acculturation and (re)defining relationships.
Facilitator (Darebin & Online)
Ra holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Monash University. has previously been a senior registrar at a tertiary psychiatric inpatient service and complex care outreach team. He is a peer educator with Harm Reduction Victoria.
Facilitator (Wyndham & Brimbank)
Prince Kennett is a registered counsellor with Mental Health First Aid accreditation. Currently, he works at The Orange Door and Relationships Australia, where he actively works with Men and facilitates Men’s Behaviour change programs.
Clinical Supervisor
Judy is a practicing Clinical Neuropsychologist and currently is a Commissioner at the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC). She is former National Convenor of the Australian Psychological Society’s Psychology and Cultures Group.
We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first peoples and Traditional Owners and custodians of the land and waterways on which we live. We honour and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
