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Victorian Liberal and Nationals invests $100M in mental health with Community Empowerment and Wellbeing Grants program for election 2022

Communities across Victoria will have increased opportunities to engage in mental health initiatives thanks to a $100 million Liberal and Nationals Community Empowerment and Wellbeing Grants program.

By news@gippsland - 10th November 2022 - Back to News

The Community Empowerment and Wellbeing Grants program will provide $63.5 million will be distributed equitably across Victoria, according to local government area but administered by the state government - $500,000 each for greater Melbourne council regions and $1 million each for rural and regional council regional - for locally significant programs. The balance of funding will go towards broad-reaching programs with a footprint across multiple regions.

Community education on mental health can help to reduce stigma surrounding mental health conditions and promote a positive mental health environment

Mental health awareness

Community Empowerment and Wellbeing Grants program will include $1.2 million over four years for the Let's Talk Foundation, a grassroots movement developed in the state's south-west to promote awareness and reduce stigma often associated with mental illness, particularly suicide.

The organisation runs an innovative mental health program for schools, businesses and community groups in the Moyne, Corangamite and Warrnambool areas, and will be able to expand its offerings to Southern Grampians and Glenelg shires thanks to the Liberals and Nationals' funding.

Driving community resilience

Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Emma Kealy, said community mental health education programs and initiatives such as Let's Talk are key drivers of community resilience and played a significant role in improving overall mental health in towns, clubs, schools and organisations. "Locals know their own communities best, and our commitment will empower locals to deliver targeted solutions that support community wellbeing at a grassroots level," she said.

"Across the state there are many fabulous mental health and wellbeing programs developed locally, using local people including those with lived experience. We know this model works, but government support for community education and support programs in this space has been lacking for many years under Labor."

"After the devastating impact of lockdowns and restrictions, these programs are needed more than ever, which is why a Liberals and Nationals Government will invest in our communities so they can continue to lead the way in supporting local people." Ms Kealy said.

Providing real solutions

Member for South-West Coast, Roma Britnell, said only the Liberals and Nationals were committed to providing real solutions that would support the mental health and wellbeing of all Victorians. "I am thrilled that amazing organisations like Let's Talk, which does terrific work in raising awareness of mental illness across the state's south-west, will be better supported to continue leading the way towards better mental health outcomes for our communities," she said.

Member for Polwarth, Richard Riordan, said the Community Empowerment and Wellbeing Grants would provide greater opportunities for local organisations to deliver the targeted, grassroots support that locals needed.

"We will always support and work alongside local people and organisations to deliver initiatives that will make a real and lasting difference to the mental health and wellbeing of their communities," he said

Pictures from Roma Britnell MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com