Applications are now open for round two of the Diverse Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Grants, which are available for organisations that support and promote the mental health and wellbeing of Victoria’s diverse communities.
The Andrews Labor Government’s grants will support communities including multicultural, LGBTIQ+ and disability groups –helping strengthen community connections and provide better pathways to the mental health system.
The grants also ensure all Victorians are part of Victoria’s mental health reform and the new system includes people with lived experience at its heart – a key recommendation of the Royal Commission.
People in diverse communities are often at greater risk of mental health issues and may face barriers accessing responsive and culturally safe services. These grants will ensure community-led organisations are supported to deliver services which respond to the mental health and wellbeing needs of their communities.
The recipients of round one of the Diverse Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Grants included:
- Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria
- Foundation House and Victorian Refugee Health Network
- Multicultural Women’s Health Centre, Drummond Street Services
- Switchboard Victoria
- Thorne Harbour Health
- AMAZE
- Deaf Victoria
- National Disability Services Victoria.
The grants are part of the Labor Government’s $9.6 million investment over four years to establish a flexible funding pool for diverse community organisations and peak bodies.
In the 16 months since the Royal Commission delivered its final report, new services have opened and more Victorians than ever are getting the help they need – with work underway on more than 90 per cent of the Royal Commission recommendations.
Organisations that support and promote the mental health and wellbeing of our diverse communities are encouraged to apply for the second round of grants at: www.health.vic.gov.au/mental-health-wellbeing-reform/diverse-communities-grants-programExternal Link.
As stated by Minister for Mental Health Gabrielle Williams
“We’re proud of our diversity and we want to make sure that every single Victorian is supported as we continue to deliver every recommendation of the Royal Commission.”
“Mental health can affect anyone in our community – your neighbour, schoolteacher or workmate. We’re making sure all Victorians can navigate the system to get the help they need.”
