March Community Newsletter: Something is growing.

March: Amplifying international student voices.

Hello there!

Last month, we announced the launch of our international student leadership program: Student Changemakers.

We’ve had an overwhelming response, with more than 30 people now on the waiting list (we’re definitely taking this as a sign to run it again!)

What’s stayed with me most hasn’t just been the numbers, but the stories behind them. We've heard from so many participants that they’re looking for connection and spaces where their lived experiences are valued and nurtured in a way that ultimately supports others.

Whether or not you'll be participating in the program, whether or not you're an international student... know that you'll get to share in this experience with us as it will all be documented on Season 5 of the Asian Mental Health podcast, to be released in June 2026.

Thank you for being part of this growing community. Your support, engagement, and belief in our work make initiatives like this possible and we’re excited to share more updates with you soon.

❤️ Asami

Mental health resources

📖 A research article you might be interested in: 

International students contribute significantly to the diversity, economy, and skillsets of Australia, however they often face many wellbeing challenges during their studies. A study by Victoria University found that international students generally viewed their wellbeing as lower than the typical Australian population. The level of safety and location of one's accomodation also strongly impacted their levels of happiness, whereas being physically active and having regular social connections improved wellbeing. This highlights that whilst interventions at the individual-level are important (e.g., improving social cohesion), wider systemic interventions aimed at improving housing and accomodation are also necessary to improving the wellbeing of international students. 

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Here you can also find fact sheets aimed to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and offer practical insights for your wellbeing. They’re all free on our website so keep an eye out!

P.S. Have a topic you'd like us to create a resource around? Email us at hello@justshapesandsounds.com! 

🔎 Searching for a therapist?

Connect with our new practitioners via the Asian Mental Health Practitioner List, or share this page with someone who may need this.   
 

🎤 Therapist spotlight.

Get to know clinical and forensic psychologist, York Xiang Yan Hong, via our interview:

"There is always a choice, am I willing to have the discomfort to do what matters to me?"

✨Thank you for reading up to this point!

We rely heavily on your generous support to provide ongoing and free mental health resources to Asian communities in Australia.

Support Shapes and Sounds HERE.

🐌 And last but not least:

Recently in social media land,

We announced the launch of our new leadership program for international students - Student Changemakers. If you are an international student passionate about advocacy and supporting your peers, make sure to check it out on our instagram here!