Queensland community groups have shared almost $515,000 in grants under the Queensland Mental Health Commission’s Stronger Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Grants Program.
This Round 2 investment brings the total value of grants allocated to local and community organisations to $1.03 million.
Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Dr Lesley van Schoubroeck said the funding targeted locally-led initiatives designed to increase community and individual connectedness, raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing, and build community capacity.
“I am pleased that the Commission has been able to finalise this second round of grants and I look forward to reporting on the program results in the months ahead,” Dr van Schoubroeck said.
“Grassroots community action is fundamental to promoting good mental health and wellbeing as well as awareness, prevention and early intervention for mental health difficulties and substance abuse problems.
“By creating supportive communities that value and promote good mental health and wellbeing, we ensure that we start well, develop well, work, live and age well.”
Dr van Schoubroeck said the emphasis on funding community sector mental health supports was consistent with the Queensland Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Strategic Plan 2014-2019.
Funding under the grants program was allocated via the following three initiatives:
- Community Wellbeing Enhancement Initiative — grants up to $50,000 each
- Community Awareness Initiative — grants up to $15,000 each
- Capacity Building for Community Wellbeing — grants to attend ‘Wheel of Wellbeing’ training in Brisbane.
Applications for Round 3 will be called in October 2016.
