Released 08/11/2022
Applications are now open for $2 million in grants to support healthy weight and activity in children and young people, as well as targeted support for social connection in priority groups.
Supporting the goals of Healthy Canberra, the ACT Government’s preventive health strategy, as well as Best Start for Canberra’s Children: The First 1000 Days Strategy launched on 4 November 2022, $1.6 million will enable innovative community-based activities with a focus on supporting children and young people for healthy weight and increasing physical activity.
Announcing the funding at the First 1000 Days Conference hosted by Tresillian, Marymead and Perinatal Wellbeing Centre, Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said that one way the Best Start Strategy will give Canberra’s children and young people the best start in life is by encouraging good health and wellbeing.
“A nutritious diet and being active both support healthy weight and contribute to good health. We want our children and young people to live well, and we know that healthy weight in childhood reduces the risk of developing chronic disease later in life,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“Optimum nutrition and physical activity during the early years of life are essential for normal growth, including both physical and cognitive development. They also establish healthy habits that can be carried into adulthood.”
An additional $400,000 is available for smaller grants of up to $40,000 for community organisations to deliver innovative activities that support re-connection within priority population groups.
The targeted funding will aim to support priority populations in all age groups to re-establish social connection after the impacts of COVID-19 over the past two and a half years.
“Strong social connection has a powerful effect on health for both individuals and communities,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“The Government is supporting local community groups to bring people together through a common interest, providing the avenue to build positive relationships and create safe and welcoming places for learning and community engagement.”
Applications for both grant programs close at 4pm, on Wednesday 21 December 2022.
Applications can be made at https://acthealth.smartygrants.com.au
For more information on the program visit health.act.gov.au/hpgrants
Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the ACT Health Promotion Grants Program by email hpgrants@act.gov.au or phone (02) 5124 9456 to discuss their program ideas and any questions they may have about the funding rounds.
Quotes attributable to Healthy Canberra Grants recipient, MIEACT project officer Rose Clifford:
“Receiving a Healthy Canberra Grant allowed MIEACT to expand into an area that we hadn't had the capacity to before. Being able to work in partnership with our culturally and linguistically diverse communities has allowed important and necessary change to start in the mental health space.
“The grant team was accommodating and flexible, especially when we encountered challenges from COVID and were very supportive of the work we were doing which made a huge difference.”
Quotes attributable to Healthy Canberra Grants recipient, ANU deputy manager, student development, Ash Dowling:
"This grant has enabled the ANU Engagement and Success, Thrive team to establish the Kitchen Garden program, which equips participants with skills and knowledge on how to grow, prepare and share fresh, healthy, budget friendly food while building community and reducing social isolation.
“We have seen participants' understanding, skills and confidence relating to food and nature increase alongside improving food security and empowering students to seek support when needed and connect them with other student support services such as ANU Community Connect food pantry.”
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Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases