Sporting organisations across Strathfield with great ideas for mental health and wellbeing activities can apply for grants of up to $150,000, as part of the NSW Government’s $2.8 million Mental Health Sports program.
Liberal candidate for Strathfield, Bridget Sakr, encouraged local sports clubs to apply for grants as a great way of helping people to engage with mental health and wellbeing.
“I have been a vocal supporter of proactive mental health outreach, and our local sports clubs are a perfect vehicle to get people to talk about their mental health in a friendly, supportive and comforting setting.”
“Many members of our community don’t know where to turn when they are experiencing grief or trauma, but they might be already members of a sports club,” Ms Sakr said. “This program will allow Strathfield clubs to come up with innovative ways to help their members on a path to better resilience, wellbeing and mental health.”
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said clubs can apply for grants from now until 6 March 2022.
“As part of our COVID-19 mental health recovery package, we’re looking to our sporting clubs to inspire people to make their mental health and wellbeing a top priority in 2022,” Mrs Taylor said.
“These grants are intended to take conversations about mental health out of the clinic and into the clubhouse. We want people talking about how they’re going emotionally and mentally in a setting they are comfortable with.
“As well as being a fun recreational activity, 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.
Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said the program builds on the success of the $1.1 million Mental Health Sport Fund in 2019-20.
“After a very tough two years we want to see people kicking goals both on and off the field and these sporting grants are a great way to do just that,” Mr Ayres said.
“Sporting clubs and associations are at the heart of local communities, helping to forge strong community ties and a strong sense of place. It makes sense they’re our partners in getting the mental health of NSW back on track.”
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.
To start your application, please visit: https://bit.ly/34HgU1f.
