Tara Murray
Walters Oben-Mbi’s personal experience of trauma and torture in the his home country is helping him make powerful connections with clients at cohealth’s new Brimbank local mental health service.
Walters is a peer support worker at the Brimbank local, with peer workers are the first point of contact for all clients who connect with the service.
“My job involves using my lived experience of mental health to create connections and build relationships with people,” Mr Oben-Mbi said.
“The relationship is the most important if you want to get the best outcome for the client.
“You need to build that trust and rapport so that the person can tell you what they need.
“It’s like when you make a new friend. You don’t immediately tell them everything about your life, or challenges you’ve faced, the first time you meet them. And it’s the same with a worker and a client.”
After forming that connection, Mr Oben-Mbi can then suggest different services that might help including making a referral to a psychologist or a therapist onsite.
Originally from southern Cameroon, Mr Oben-Mbi says that the stigma and shame of mental health prevents many people in the African community from seeking help.
“When people in my community are struggling with mental health issues, they don’t believe in making it public,” he said.
“They would not believe in going to the hospital or telling a doctor for fear of bringing shame on their family.
“Instead in my community, you lean on family and friends – people who are like you and that you can trust.”
Walters says he experienced persecution in his home country and since coming to Australia has become a staunch advocate for the rights of his people.
Mr Oben-Mbi has been a peer worker with the Brimbank local for two months.
He said his migrant experience and his personal understanding of mental health helps him understand the issues that some of his clients face.
“This experience of coming to Australia is something we share,” he said. “People who have migrated here from places of conflict can feel Isolated and distant.
“We help to carry each other’s burden because we understand what each other have been through and how it can affect your physical and mental health.”
Information: www.cohealth.org.au/service/brimbank-local/.
