Healthy Canberra Grants to reduce smoking-related harm

The ACT Government is continuing efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of all Canberrans with the next round of Healthy Canberra Grants opening today. The Government has announced $850,000 in funding for programs to tackle smoking related harm in the ACT.

This grants round follows the launch of the ACT Government’s Healthy Canberra Preventive Health Plan 2020-2025. The Plan sets out a framework for preventing chronic disease and supporting improved health and wellbeing outcomes for all Canberrans from birth. Reducing tobacco related harm is a key focus area of the Plan.

Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the Plan aimed to achieve fewer children and young people using smoking products, including electronic cigarettes and lower rates of smoking.

“The ACT already has some of the lowest smoking rates in the country, but we know there is more to do. Tobacco smoking remains a leading cause of preventable death and disease in Australia. Quitting smoking, at any age, has immediate benefits for your health and wellbeing, and reduces the risk of developing tobacco-related disease.

“E-cigarettes are emerging as another challenging area for public health planning and campaigning, especially in relation to young people. It is extremely concerning the evidence that is emerging about the increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, cancer and other respiratory diseases using e-cigarettes.

“These grants enable the ACT Government to continue our focus on prevention across the health system, partnering with community groups and non-government organisations who play a vital role in helping to create an even healthier Canberra,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.

Grants will focus on programs that support specific population groups where smoking rates remain alarmingly high. These groups include:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people;
  • people with mental illness;
  • people in detention;
  • people with alcohol and drug dependence and;
  • people experiencing homelessness.

The application process for the grants round will close on 17 of February 2020.

Public information session

A public information session for potential applicants will be held on Monday 16 December 2019.

Community organisations interested in applying for the grants are encouraged to attend.

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