Macleay Valley sports club can be champions of mental wellbeing

Kempsey Shire Council

Community Sporting Team

Macleay Valley sporting organisations are being encouraged to apply for grants of up to $150,000 to help support the health and wellbeing of their players and members.

Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey, announced on Thursday that the NSW Government’s Mental Health Sports Fund is seeking applications from sporting bodies that need funding to deliver mental health and wellbeing projects.

Kempsey Shire Council Mayor, Leo Hauville, said eligible projects include rolling out programs that support the general population or specific groups.

“Local sporting clubs of our shire are asked to put forth projects to help promote health and wellbeing, particularly in the priority populations which include but are not limited to Aboriginal People and LGBTQI+ people,” said Mr Hauville.

“Funding can be used to expand an existing wellbeing project, introduce a new project or to team up with local service provider to deliver the project.”

Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey, said sporting organisations can apply for grants of up to $150,000 for activities that provide mental health, resilience and wellbeing benefits to individuals and groups across the region.

“Sporting clubs help forge strong community ties and a strong sense of place,” Ms Pavey said.

“I strongly encourage local sporting groups to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity, so our region can kick goals both on and off the field.”

Minister for Mental Health, Bronnie Taylor, said the NSW Government is looking to sporting clubs to inspire people to make their mental health and wellbeing a top priority in 2022.

“The NSW Mental Health Sports Fund grants are intended to take conversations about mental health out of the clinic and into the clubhouse,” Ms Taylor said.

“We want people talking about how they’re going emotionally and mentally in a setting they are comfortable with.”

“In addition, exercise in almost any form can act as a stress reliever. Being active can boost your feel-good endorphins, distract from daily worries and is a great way to meet new friends or catch up with old ones, making it a fantastic remedy for maintaining a healthy mind and lifestyle.”

All NSW-based sports bodies are encouraged to apply, with the aim of ensuring a spread of funding and projects across the State. Grants will be available to clubs supporting both general populations and the following priority populations:

  • Aboriginal people
  • Culturally and linguistically diverse people
  • LGBTIQ+ people
  • People with coexisting mental health, alcohol or other drug issues.

The $2.8 million NSW Mental Health Sports Fund is part of the $130 million COVID-19 mental health recovery package announced in October 2021.

Applications from now until 6 March 2022.

To start your application, please visit: NSW Health Mental Health Sports Fund Grants

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