NSW Health

SHER FOUNDATION recently met with Mr Vince Ponzio, Director of Disability Strategy and Inclusion at NSW Health, to discuss our shared vision for improving mental health outcomes for multicultural men living with disability in New South Wales.

The meeting focused on the unique intersectional challenges faced by CALD men—particularly those navigating both psychosocial disability and cultural marginalisation. SHER presented emerging data from our community engagement programs, highlighting the growing demand for culturally appropriate psychosocial support.

Mr Ponzio welcomed SHER’s community-embedded model and expressed strong interest in our approach to trauma-informed care, culturally tailored programming, and preventative mental health. Together, we explored pathways for inclusive program design, referral networks, and partnership opportunities under NSW Health's inclusive health strategy.

Key themes included stigma, barriers to access for migrant men with invisible disability, and co-designed mental wellness programs that meet cultural and linguistic needs while complying with NSW Health’s clinical and community standards.

We appreciate Mr Ponzio’s leadership and commitment to expanding culturally safe mental health pathways.