Volunteering Minister Mick Murray has today announced more than $848,000 in Lotterywest funding towards research, development and training for three Western Australian volunteer-involving organisations.
A grant of $600,948 to Lifeline WA (Living Stone Foundation) will fund a research project looking at the safety and efficacy of volunteers working from home. Lifeline WA commenced operating in 1994, using trained volunteers to deliver a 24-hour counselling and support service, assisting Western Australians experiencing personal crises or contemplating suicide.
Chorus Australia will use their grant of $198,450 to develop a training package designed to strengthen community capacity and disability, aged care and mental health services. Chorus works to enable people to live the life they choose in their own home and community.
Volunteering WA (Volunteer Centre of Western Australia) will use their grant of $48,800 in research and development of good practise in volunteering in the aged-care sector. The organisation represents volunteering across the State, including all volunteer involving organisations, and the 545,800 volunteers that support them.
WA organisations that rely on volunteering were all greatly challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic. These grants will assist three organisations to rebuild after the pandemic, and will strengthen their support of vulnerable members of the community.
As stated by Seniors and Ageing and Volunteering Minister Mick Murray:
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of a great many organisations, so investment in research and training is essential in order to support them to work effectively.
“It’s estimated that up to six hundred thousand Western Australians regularly put their hands up to help out every year, and those people make an estimated annual economic and social contribution of around $39 billion.
“This funding will ensure volunteers receive the training and support necessary to undertake their invaluable volunteering roles.
“The State Government and Lotterywest are proud to support community projects like these that help to build a better Western Australia.”
