Scoping support for review of Embrace Framework
Status: Completed October 2025
Client: Embrace Multicultural Mental Health – part of Mental Health Australia
Background
Embrace Multicultural Mental Health (Embrace) is a program of Mental Health Australia which includes national implementation of a framework to guide organisations to deliver services effectively in a multicultural context. Consisting of a set of modules and tools, Embrace and its previous iterations have been delivered since 2011. MHA approached Beacon Strategies to provide advice and support on how best to optimise the currency and usability of the Embrace framework for future sustainability, ensuring alignment with relevant sets of quality standards as well as effective support for organisational change and quality improvement.
Approach
We started with a current state analysis, gathering insights and evidence about the existing Framework, including strengths and challenges, as well as information about what can be learned from comparable models and the existing user journey and utilisation. The work included analysis of the Framework’s alignment with a number of relevant quality standards, identifying gaps and opportunities for content development. An overarching look at potential models for organisational change and quality improvement helped MHA to consider the ideal future state for the Embrace Framework, informing strategic decisions around the direction of this work.
Outcome
This work resulted in a set of options, implications and recommendations for MHA to consider, ensuring future direction is intentional, grounded in evidence and supports quality improvement for multicultural responsiveness of the mental health sector. This included clarification of intended users, strengthening associated resources, leveraging alignment with existing standards, workforce development supports (including networked learning) and positioning the Embrace Framework for future sustainability.
How this project links to our vision of a more impactful social purpose sector
This project supports our vision for a more impactful social purpose sector by providing a strong evidence base and quality improvement lens across a critical tool for mental health services, ensuring ongoing responsiveness to the needs of multicultural communities.
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