More Mental Health Grants To Boost Diverse Communities
The Allan Labor Government is building a more accessible mental health system, awarding grants to organisations supporting people with disabilities, multifaith, multicultural and LGBTIQA+ communities.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt today announced the recipients of the 2023-25 Diverse Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Grants Program, that will see 20 community-led organisations across Victoria share in funding worth $4.2 million.
The funding will improve access to fair and effective mental health supports – ensuring all Victorians receive appropriate support, when they need it.
The organisations were selected for their work delivering a wide range of programs, services, advocacy, research and workforce development – helping them continue their important role in supporting mental health at a grassroots level.
One of the 20 organisations receiving a grant is Youth Projects Limited. With branches located across the state, Youth Projects Limited provides support to young people and individuals experiencing disadvantage, unemployment, homelessness, alcohol and other drug issues.
This grant will help extend a program to more of their branches in Melbourne’s west to support LGBTIQA+ youth aged 12-24, specifically those with disabilities such as autism and ADHD – helping them to re-engage with education or employment.
Other recipients for the grants include organisations such as Deaf Victoria and Victorian Refugee Health, supporting them to continue their important role in supporting mental health at the grassroots level.
The 2023-25 Diverse Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Grants Program is part of the Labor Government’s $9.6 million investment over four years to provide funding for community organisations to lead action on the ground.
This builds on the record $6 billion investment in Victoria’s mental health and wellbeing system over the past three years, with work underway on more than 90 per cent of recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.