Pola Research Lab (POLAB)

Pola Research Lab (POLAB) is dedicated to advancing mental health and wellbeing through innovative, culturally responsive research and knowledge translation. Led by Nasalifya Namwinga, Clinical Psychologist and PhD Candidate at the University of Melbourne, POLAB brings together researchers, practitioners, students, and industry partners to address complex social and psychological challenges. Through collaborative partnerships with leading organisations and the placement of emerging professionals, the lab serves as a hub for groundbreaking research, evaluation, and community-engaged innovation. Our mission is to generate impactful evidence, strengthen wellbeing services, and drive meaningful social change through research that is rigorous, inclusive, and responsive to diverse communities.

170 Mental Health Practitioners Surveyed Across Australia: Burnout, Inclusion & Cultural Responsiveness in the Mental Health Workforce

key findings from Pola Practice's ongoing research exploring burnout, diversity, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness within the mental health workforce.Through data visualisations and research insights, we highlight the experiences of mental health practitioners, the challenges they encounter, and the strategies they use to foster more equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive care environments. Our findings shed light on workforce wellbeing, organisational culture, and the systemic factors that influence practitioner experiences and client outcomes. By sharing this research, we aim to contribute to evidence-informed conversations that support a healthier, more diverse, and culturally responsive mental health sector for practitioners and the communities they serve.

PUBLICATIONS

Culturally Responsive & Intersectional Practice (CRIP) Model

The CRIP Model Infographic

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Culturally Responsive & Intersectional Practice (CRIP) Model: A Comprehensive Framework for Inclusivity and Equity.

This paper outlines the theoretical foundations, key components, and practical implications of the CRIP Model, demonstrating its significance in fostering more equitable and resonant practices across various sectors

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Stitch in colour: Empowering through creative expression

Stitch In Colour is a creative group program run by Pole Practice aimed to empower individuals through the art of stitching and creative expression.

Program Report
Burnout Prevention and intersectionality workshop report

The core focus of our workshop is to facilitate a transformative shift in perspective, moving away from a mere survival mindset when it comes to burnout, and instead, cultivating a framework that recognizes the significance of wellbeing and self- care as acts of active resistance against burnout.

Workshop development report