On 7 March 2026, SABA Hazara Group and CMRC hosted a Painting Workshop and Community Iftar at the SABA Office in Auburn , bringing together 24 young people from Hazara, Pashtun, Tajik, Iranian, and Arab backgrounds for an evening of creativity, culture, and genuine human connection.
The event formed part of SABA's ongoing commitment to supporting the mental health and social wellbeing of young people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. By blending creative expression with a shared Ramadan meal, the program created a culturally safe, welcoming space where participants could connect, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversations about mental health, trauma, and community belonging.
Creating Space for Connection and Healing
The workshop was designed with a clear purpose , to meet young people where they are, and offer something both meaningful and practical.
- Strengthen social connection and community cohesion
- Promote mental health awareness in a culturally responsive way
- Provide a safe environment for open discussions on trauma and wellbeing
- Reduce stigma around seeking support
- Encourage peer learning and mutual support
- Build confidence in accessing services
- Offer referral pathways through STARTTS, CMRC, and SABA
This holistic approach ensured that participants not only enjoyed the activities, but also gained practical tools and knowledge to support their ongoing wellbeing.
Program Highlights
Creative Expression Through Painting
Participants engaged in a guided painting activity that encouraged calmness, self‑expression, and emotional release. For many, the creative process became a gentle way to explore feelings and reflect on personal experiences , no artistic experience required.
Guided Mental Health Discussions
Facilitators introduced the Five Ways to Mental Wellbeing, sparking open conversations about coping strategies, communication, and the importance of community support. Young people shared insights about generational differences and the role of mutual respect in building better mental health.
Community Iftar
As the sun set, participants gathered together for a shared Iftar meal. This moment of togetherness strengthened cultural connection, belonging, and trust , the quiet but essential foundations for ongoing wellbeing.
What Participants Shared
Throughout the evening, young people reflected openly on:
- ●The challenges of navigating cultural expectations
- ●The importance of communication between generations
- ●How shared experiences can reduce isolation
- ●The value of having safe spaces to talk about trauma and mental health
Their reflections highlighted a strong desire for continued community‑based programs that prioritise understanding, respect, and connection.
Outcomes and Impact
These outcomes reaffirm the importance of culturally responsive, community‑led initiatives in supporting youth mental health , particularly for young people whose first language is not English and who may face additional barriers to accessing care.
A Night Worth Repeating
The Painting Workshop and Community Iftar demonstrated the quiet power of combining creativity, culture, and honest conversation. When young people are given a safe, welcoming space , free of judgment , they show up. They open up. And they help each other heal.
This program is a testament to what can be achieved when community, culture, and wellbeing come together with purpose , and SABA will continue to create these spaces for the young people who need them most.