Beyond Mental Health, Alcohol and Drugs
The B-MAD Framework
B-MAD is the Association's holistic wellbeing and community engagement framework, designed to address the complex social, emotional, physical, and developmental needs of African Australian young people through a culturally responsive, community-led approach.
What is B-MAD?
B-MAD stands for Beyond Mental Health, Alcohol and Drugs. It is African Youth Collective's holistic wellbeing and community engagement framework, designed to address the complex social, emotional, physical, and developmental needs of African Australian young people through a culturally responsive, community-led approach.
The B-MAD Framework recognises that youth wellbeing cannot be addressed through isolated interventions. It requires an integrated approach that goes beyond crisis response to build resilience, connection, capability, and opportunity across all aspects of a young person's life.
B-MAD is not a clinical program. It is a community response — delivered by people who understand the lived experience of African youth in Australia, and informed by research, community data, and evaluation findings.
The B-MAD Acronym
Each letter of B-MAD represents a core focus area of the framework — together forming a holistic, prevention-first approach to youth wellbeing.
Beyond
B-MAD goes beyond crisis response and clinical intervention — addressing the root causes of poor mental health and AOD misuse through community connection, culture, and belonging.
Mental Health
Supporting the emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing of African Australian young people through culturally safe programs, Mental Health First Aid training, and early intervention pathways.
Alcohol
Addressing alcohol misuse through prevention-first community programs that build protective factors — belonging, purpose, and positive identity — before harmful patterns take hold.
Drugs
Reducing drug-related harm through community-led early intervention, culturally responsive education, and programs that give young people meaningful alternatives and strong support networks.
How B-MAD Works in Practice
B-MAD is not a single program — it is a lens through which all AYC activities are designed. Every BBQ, every gaming night, every soccer match, and every community gathering is an opportunity to deliver B-MAD outcomes.
Foods for Thought — Community BBQs
AYC's Foods for Thought program runs free community BBQs four times a week — Monday at 309A Main Rd E, St Albans; Wednesday and Thursday in Sunshine, with fortnightly Ahadu Ethiopian Restaurant partnership gatherings on Thursdays; and Sunday in St Albans. Every gathering is B-MAD prevention in action.
Sport and Physical Activity
Saturday Soccer and Basketball programs build teamwork, discipline, and positive peer relationships in a culturally safe environment, delivered at Victoria University Footscray Park Campus and community venues across Melbourne's west.
Mental Health First Aid
AYC delivers culturally adapted Mental Health First Aid training to community members, families, and workers — equipping people to recognise signs of mental health challenges and provide initial support.
Cultural Celebration
Events like our Sunday BBQ and partnerships with the Ethiopian community honour identity and cultural pride as protective factors — consistent with our commitment to celebrating African heritage.
Leadership Development
Young people are supported to become leaders, mentors, and role models within their own community — through structured training, peer mentoring, and civic participation opportunities.
Family Engagement
Families are central to B-MAD. We work to strengthen family bonds and equip parents with tools to support their children's wellbeing through family support and parenting programs.
B-MAD Program
Foods for Thought
Foods for Thought is AYC's community BBQ program — free weekly gatherings that bring African young people and families together around food, connection, and belonging. Running four days a week across St Albans and Sunvale Community Park, Sunshine, every BBQ is B-MAD prevention in action.
Mental Health First Aid
As part of the B-MAD framework, AYC offers Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training tailored to the African community context. This training equips community members with the knowledge and skills to recognise signs of mental health challenges and provide initial support — before professional help is sought.
- Culturally adapted for African community contexts
- Delivered by trained AYC facilitators
- Available to community members, families, and workers
- Covers depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use
Get Involved with B-MAD
Whether you want to attend a program, refer a young person, access Mental Health First Aid training, or partner with AYC — we'd love to hear from you.
Contact Us