Four ground-breaking initiatives designed to create better futures for some of our most
vulnerable Queenslanders will share in grants totalling $740,000.
The Queensland Mental Health Commission Better Futures grants aim to improve the mental health,
wellbeing and social inclusion of people with lived experience of mental illness or problematic
substance use, or those who have been affected by suicide.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the Better Futures grants focused
on reducing the impact of homelessness and unemployment.
“Having a home, a job and social supports are all essential to recovery and long-term mental health
and wellbeing,” Mr Miles said.
“People experiencing mental health or other difficulties can struggle to focus on recovery if they are
homeless, or if they can’t access the right training, supports and pathways to get a job.
“Strong social support networks are also vital for people to not just recover, but flourish.”
“These four initiatives offer innovative solutions to complex issues that span the employment,
housing and mental health systems, adding to our traditional service models.”
Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic said the initiatives would foster
opportunities for people with a lived experience.
“Employment is key, because it gives people purpose and builds confidence, self-esteem and
financial independence, as well as promoting and sustaining recovery,” Mr Frkovic said.
“Lives Lived Well will receive $200,000 to establish a social enterprise called Nurture – a
sustainable, regenerative farming and distribution co-operative in Logan.
“Nurture will incorporate practical experience, certificate-level training and recognised skill
development in farm production, distribution and warehousing, as well as job placement and support
for young people to become job-ready.”
A $198,000 grant to Brisbane Youth Service will trial a Brisbane Couch Surfing Support Line and
mobile service to help vulnerable young people find suitable accommodation and reduce the risks
associated with homelessness, mental health issues, problematic substance use or self-harm.
Mr Frkovic said the initiative would work to provide the stable and safe living environments young
people needed to be able to address mental health issues, as well as working with their families and
carers to better support them.
Toowoomba-based Mercy Community SEQ will receive $200,000 for the Green Care Multicultural
Mental Health Program to improve mental health, wellbeing, community connection and employment
outcomes for refugees and migrants with experience of mental illness.
HELP Enterprises’ Champions of Change: Mental Health in the Workplace initiative will receive
$142,000 to build capacity among employers to improve understanding of mental health and
wellbeing in the workplace and address stigma and discrimination.
“Champions of Change will help greater Brisbane region employers shift work culture to better
support existing employees with a mental health issue and increase employment opportunities for
people who have experienced mental illness,” Mr Frkovic said.
