Marta, 37, came to Australia as a refugee after facing persecution and violence in her home country of Mongolia. Starting over in a new country brought some relief, but also uncertainty. Shortly after, her mental health began to decline.

As a trans woman, Marta says there were many layers to what she was facing: past trauma, challenges of her refugee journey, surgery and gender affirmation, and the loneliness and isolation of starting over in a new country. She knew she needed support, but didn’t know where to go.

“In April last year, I was hit with severe depression,” said Marta. “I’ve struggled with depression before, but this time it was worse,” said Marta. “I was suicidal. Everything just felt pointless.”

“My Open Support case workers’ constant hard work, warm energy, and the effort they put into helping me has truly led me to where I am today. I’m so happy and grateful for that.”

At the time, Marta was struggling with basic day to day life. “I had a lot of anxiety. My personal hygiene was bad, my home was a mess, and I was living off junk food. That’s now all changed. I now take pride in my health.”

Marta was invited to attend small group meetings through the Open Support Community Connections Program that provides social support to individuals who are experiencing isolation and or loneliness in our communities. She has also participated in LGBTQI+ workshops and social activities, including Dare to Dream – a creative program focused on self-expression through art and storytelling, and her long-term passion of Zumba dancing.

Over time, Marta has grown more confident in sharing her story. She is enjoying building a life beyond Open Support, forming new connections through her studies, where she is developing practical skills in literacy, numeracy, and job readiness, preparing her for future independence. Her next goal is to pursue a fitness qualification to become a Zumba instructor.

Looking ahead, Marta is eager to continue her advocacy work in Australia and will be a guest speaker at the upcoming St Vincent’s Open Support Social Isolation and Loneliness  Forum in Sydney, sharing her experiences with LGBTQI+ advocacy.

“I’ve made friends, I’m studying, and the group meetings have been an amazing social opportunity,” she says. “These days, I can’t stop smiling. I enjoy every minute and a big part of that is thanks to Open Support for showing me the way out of the darkness.”

You can find out more about our Community Connections Program here.