The Queensland Government has revealed a $9 million package of grants to support community-led solutions that provide positive mental health and wellbeing outcomes.
The grants program, delivered by the Queensland Mental Health Commission, will help organisations implement local projects and initiatives that respond to the unique needs of their local community.
Eligible applicants will be able to apply for up to $150,000 for initiatives and activities that:
- Support and promote mental health and wellbeing
- Prevent mental ill health by enhancing protecting factors and reducing risk factors
- Encourage early help-seeking
- Improve mental health, wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs, or suicide prevention literacy and understanding
The grants will build on existing community strengths, abilities and knowledge to develop and implement innovative solutions that meet diverse local needs.
This investment is part of the State Government’s record $1.94 billion Better Care Together plan to improve mental health, alcohol and other drug services across the state.
The annual grants program will initially run for three years, with the latest round open until 2 October.
Queensland Premier, Steven Miles, said that a community-led approach can often be the most effective as they live and breathe their neighbourhood and understand the issues they face.
“That’s why these grants are so valuable and are only possible thanks to the government’s record 1.94 billion Better Care Together plan,” Premier Miles said.
“Investing in and talking about mental health and well-being is important to Queensland and it’s important to me.
“And there is no better time to talk about it than today, on Father’s Day.
“While it’s an occasion to celebrate the special men in our lives, I think it should also be a time to check in.
“Men continue to experience disproportionately high rates of suicide.
“And while we have come a long way in breaking the stigma of ‘men don’t talk’ there is still much to do.
“It’s why I will continue to do what matters to Queensland by investing in services to improve mental health, alcohol and other drug services across the state.”
Queensland Minister for Mental Health, Shannon Fentiman, said that no one knows what’s best for a community more than the people who live there.
“These grants are a fantastic opportunity for our grassroots community organisations to make real change in their local area,” Minister Fentiman said.
“The State Government is absolutely committed to investing in initiatives that promote and improve mental health and wellbeing of Queenslanders right across the state.
“Positive mental health and wellbeing not only benefits the individual but also helps to build stronger relationships with family, friends and colleagues.
“Importantly, the right support can ensure we are able to cope when life throws its inevitable challenges at us.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for community groups and organisations to come up with some innovative solutions to improve the mental health and wellbeing of their local community.”
Queensland Mental Health Commissioner, Ivan Frkovic, said that this grant initiative highlights the importance of promotion, prevention and early intervention to support the mental health and wellbeing of Queenslanders.
“The Mental Health and Wellbeing grants are open to diverse and innovative proposals that enhance the mental health and wellbeing of our communities and the people who live in them,” Mr Frkovic said.
“It’s one of the Commission’s many initiatives to improve mental health and wellbeing outcomes for all Queenslanders.
“I look forward to putting the grants into action and creating a Queensland where the practice of mental health and wellbeing activities is part of every Queenslander’s daily life.”
Image: Okrasiuk/shutterstock.com
