Beyond Mental-health Alcohol and Drugs
B-MAD Prevention Program
B-MAD is AYC's community-led framework for supporting the mental health and wellbeing of African young people — not through clinical intervention alone, but through connection, culture, and belonging.
What is B-MAD?
B-MAD stands for Beyond Mental-health Alcohol and Drugs. It is a prevention-first framework developed by African Youth Collective to address the root causes of poor mental health, substance use, and social disconnection among African young people in Melbourne.
Rather than waiting for a crisis, B-MAD focuses on building the protective factors that keep young people well — strong identity, cultural pride, trusted relationships, purpose, and a sense of belonging in their community.
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.
Our Approach
We believe that many of the challenges facing young people today are not simply mental health issues. They are often issues of disconnection — from family, community, culture, identity, and purpose. Before many young people need therapy, they need connection.
B – Beyond
Going beyond crisis by creating opportunities for prevention, early intervention, healing, growth, and lifelong community connection. We empower young people to move beyond barriers and build positive, fulfilling lives.
M – Mental Health
Promoting mental wellbeing through safe spaces, peer support, mentoring, education, sport, cultural identity, and access to appropriate services. We encourage resilience, confidence, and emotional wellbeing while reducing stigma around mental health.
A – Alcohol
Increasing awareness of the harms associated with alcohol while promoting healthy lifestyles, informed decision-making, prevention, early intervention, and recovery. We empower young people to make positive choices that support their wellbeing and future.
D – Drugs
Providing education and support to prevent and reduce the harms associated with drug use. Through culturally responsive programs, mentoring, community engagement, and partnerships with health services, we encourage safer choices, support recovery, and help individuals build healthier, more fulfilling lives free from substance-related harm.
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 (St Albans), Wednesday (Sunvale Community Park, Sunshine), Thursday (Sunvale Community Park, Sunshine, with fortnightly Ahadu Ethiopian Restaurant nights), and Sunday (St Albans). Every gathering is B-MAD prevention in action.
Sport & Recreation
Saturday Soccer and Basketball programs build teamwork, discipline, and positive peer relationships in a culturally safe environment.
Mental Health First Aid
AYC delivers culturally adapted Mental Health First Aid training to community members, families, and workers.
Cultural Celebration
Events like our Sunday BBQ and partnerships with the Ethiopian community honour identity and cultural pride as protective factors.
Peer Leadership
Young people are supported to become leaders, mentors, and role models within their own community.
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.
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