Chay Khana Afghan men’s group creates belonging and enhances wellbeing for refugees

In Dandenong, Doveton, Hallam, and Eumemmerring, nearly one in ten people were born in Afghanistan. Following moving to Australia, many members of the Persian, Pashto and Dari speaking communities experience significant hardships due to ongoing unrest in their home countries and a myriad of challenges that arise from displacement.

Due to visa restrictions, refugee men are not allowed family re-unification or to visit their families back home, and often isolate themselves as they struggle to find a common cultural connection. A significant number of Afghan men, especially older men, cannot speak English and information about resources and services aren’t accessible in their language. As a result, many report feeling lonely and are at an increased risk of poor mental wellbeing, mental ill-health and suicidality. 

As newly arrived Afghan refugees continue to settle in Greater Dandenong, social connection and integration into the community, local knowledge and access to services are all vital to their mental wellbeing. To better support the needs of these Afghan men and their families, SEMPHN partnered with Southern Migrant Refugee Centre and Better Place Australia to develop and deliver a social wellbeing program. The program provides a comfortable and culturally appropriate space to make new connections, share food, enjoy music and learn about services and resources to support their wellbeing. The program is named ‘Chay Khana’, which means Tea House and refers to a common tradition within Afghan communities where locals and travellers gather in a central location to drink tea, exchange news, gossip and discuss important matters. 

During some sessions, staff from local services have come along to meet and speak with the group, such as the Victorian Afghan Associations Network, Foundation House and the City of Casey gardening program.

The group has 28 active members with approximately 12 men attending weekly. Many report that the sessions help them feel less stressed, and more connected and confident in where to seek support.

The impact is far greater than the immediate group, as participants often share their knowledge and learnings with their community, including access to wellbeing information and support.