A Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) mental health initiative has received national recognition, with the Young Well Beings program featured on Channel Nine’s A Current Affair in a segment hosted by Allison Langdon.
The story, which aired earlier this year, highlights the importance of culturally inclusive, accessible mental health support for young mothers.
Several local mums shared their personal experiences with perinatal mental health challenges and how the Young Well Beings program helped them feel supported and empowered.
WSLHD’s Rowena Saheb, Program Manager, Toward Zero Suicides, played a key role in the development and delivery of the Young Well Beings program.
Her leadership and dedication have been instrumental in creating a safe, inclusive space for young mothers to access mental health support and share their stories.
“The Young Wellbeing team have worked so hard to create this very special and authentic resource, and being co-designed and co-created with young mums is such an important aspect of it,” Rowena said.
“More than the recognition, the team is so grateful to have the information on the program shared on national TV because we hope more young mums and health services/professionals supporting young mums will become of aware of this resource.”
As a health professional it has been both a pleasure and a learning experience working alongside such incredible young mums. They have shared their lived experience and brought their authentic self to the project – we know other young mums will benefit from engaging with the resource.
Rowena Saheb, Program Manager, Toward Zero Suicides
“I was so proud, grateful, hopeful, and passionate seeing these young mums sharing their stories, and it was such a privilege to be a part of their story sharing.”
“They are so articulate about their experiences and provided such amazing insights on the challenges and barriers to help seeking, the community stigma around young mums and suggestions on how we can work collaboratively to empower young mums.”
Young Well Beings is a free online mental health resource designed to support young mothers in Western Sydney.
Developed in partnership with the Transcultural Mental Health Centre and Western Sydney University, the program offers practical tools to build emotional resilience, manage stress, and connect with culturally appropriate support services.
The initiative is part of WSLHD’s broader commitment to suicide prevention and mental health support, particularly for vulnerable and underrepresented communities.
Congratulations to the team behind the program, whose work was acknowledged at the 2025 WSLHD Quality awards, winning the WSLHD Board Chair’s Award.
This award celebrates a Quality Improvement Project whose impact extends far beyond Western Sydney – touching lives, influencing systems, and creating a ripple effect of positive change across the broader health landscape.
As we mark R U OK? Day, Rowena shares a message of encouragement for young mums, and the broader community, who may be struggling in silence.
“This year’s theme for R U OK? Day is, Ask Any day. It’s such an important message reinforcing that we need to consciously and proactively check in with our friends, family, colleagues and community.
Not just on RUOK? Day but every day!”
A community isn’t just somewhere we exist, it’s a space for sharing, caring, and being supported.
“If you’re not feeling well or you’re struggling, please reach out – help is available. But R U OK? Day is also a reminder that it’s not just up to individuals to speak up.
It’s up to all of us, as a community, to check in with those around us. Take the time to ask someone, ‘Are you OK?’ – and ask it with genuine care and purpose.”
A conversation can really change a life.
You can access a range of resources on the R U OK? Website.