Leah Porter, a detainee in the Villawood detention centre, was found dead on Sunday morning. The news of her apparent suicide and statements from other detainees saying that she was not provided proper access to medicines for her mental illness creates discussion about mental wellbeing in detention centres.
Michi Marosszeky, the co-founder of Woven threads, talks to us about the role of animation and storytelling in raising mental health support from refugees and detainees.
If anyone has concerns about mental health and suicide you can call Lifeline 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
After this broadcast went to air Australian Border Force provided this information:
· The ABF does not comment on operational issues.
· The ABF can confirm a female detainee has passed away at Villawood Immigration Detention Centre (VIDC).
· The next of kin has been notified. The ABF expresses its condolences to the woman’s family and friends.
· The Department takes all reasonable steps to care for people in detention and to prevent deaths in immigration detention facilities.
Image: Image: Shutterstock-karenfoleyphotography
Produced By: Misbah Ansari
Featured In Story: Michi Marosszeky, co-founder of Woven Threads
First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 25 May 2022