Building strong families: Thadam working with community
A family of three, with the mother on the left, the father on the right, and their young daughter in the middle, all holding hands as they walk away from the camera down a stony path.
At Thadam, we believe that open conversations are the key to strong families. Recently, we joined forces with the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Multicultural Health team at a special event to help improve family relationships in the Sri Lankan Tamil community.
The event featured short plays that touched on important issues like domestic violence, family traditions, and mental health. These plays were based on real stories from over 160 people in the community, making sure that the event reflected real-life challenges.
After the performances, Thadam led an open discussion where everyone could share their thoughts and ask questions. One of the strongest messages from the event was that asking for help isn’t something to be ashamed of – it’s a sign of strength. One attendee said, “There is no shame in reaching out for support, even from an outsider.” This is a big shift from the idea that families should always keep their problems private.
At Thadam, we know that mental health is just as important as physical health. Talking about how we feel and seeking help when needed helps build healthier, happier families. The more we talk about these things, the more we can break unhealthy habits that might have been passed down over time.
This event was part of a larger project focused on preventing domestic violence and creating healthy relationships. Thadam is proud to be a part of this important work, helping to make our community stronger and more supportive.
We encourage everyone to keep these conversations going at home. Talking openly about mental health and family issues helps create a more caring and understanding community.
If you ever need support or want to learn more, Thadam is here to help. Together, we can build a community where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported. Want to listen to conversations we have had on this topic and others? Visit our YouTube channel.