To celebrate Mental Health Month in October, the NSW Government is calling for grant applications for local projects and events that promote social connectedness and encourage openness towards mental health in the community.
NSW Minister for Mental Health, Bronnie Taylor, said the grants are aimed at community groups that are helping reduce the impact of mental ill-health and raising awareness around mental health and wellbeing more generally.
“The grants of up to $1,000 provide a great vehicle for groups or organisations to host an event for mental health month in October. We are looking for ideas that connect people and bring the message of wellbeing to the heart of the community.”
Community groups are encouraged to host an event which may be fun, thought-provoking, creative, engaging, sporty or educational.
Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea, said “If anyone in the Davidson area has an idea to increase awareness of mental health and wellbeing in our local community, I really encourage them to apply for one of the Mental Health Month grants, which the New South Wales government has proudly supported for many years.”
There are five categories that community groups and individuals can apply for: Youth, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTIQA+ as well as General grants.
“This is about creating a sense of security and providing a safe place to decrease the isolation people feel when things aren’t great,” Mrs Taylor said.
Mrs Taylor said “I am really looking forward to spending time in our regions during Mental Health Month, having important conversations about mental health and promoting mentally healthier communities.”
Each October, Mental Health Association WayAhead organises Mental Health Month throughout the state.
WayAhead CEO, Elizabeth Priestley, said “We know that stigma and discrimination is still a big issue, and it can be a barrier for many people in accessing supports or to even talking about it. Communities putting on different events which openly address mental health and wellbeing helps create more accepting and safe spaces for people to start having these conversations and breaking down the stigma around mental health.”
The grants are open now and close at 5pm on Friday, 5 July 2019. For more information visit www.mentalhealthmonth.wayahead.org.au
