New mental health grants to support Canberrans through COVID-19


Released 29/06/2020

Eligible community organisations and individuals are encouraged to apply for the newly announced $450,000 COVID-19 Mental Health and Wellbeing Innovation Grants program, Minister for Mental Health Shane Rattenbury announced today.

The COVID-19 Mental Health and Wellbeing Innovation Grants Program will support mental health programs and ideas that focus on community recovery, building resilience, tackling loneliness and creating meaningful social connections in the face of the COVID 19 pandemic.

The grants feature as part of the $4.5 million mental health stimulus package announced by the ACT Government in May.

A larger pool of funds totalling $300,000 will be available for eligible organisations, schools and accredited early childhood services and out of hours school programs that have the capacity and ability to reach larger numbers of people in the ACT community.

A smaller grant stream of $50,000 will be available for individuals, community groups, smaller organisations and local networks that can create programs and activities for neighbourhoods, local communities, cultural and identity groups and communities of shared interest.

$100,000 will be held in reserve to ensure we can respond to other community needs brought up by COVID-19, as they emerge.

Comments attributable to ACT Minister for Mental Health Shane Rattenbury:

“Canberrans have endured so much this year. We know the circumstances and events of 2020 have undoubtedly taken their toll on everyone’s mental health and wellbeing in some way.

“The ACT Government is committed to ensuring we support our community during this challenging time.

“These grants will boost mental health and wellbeing initiatives across the ACT, and offer our local communities, organisations and individuals the chance to be innovative and creative in addressing the impacts of COVID-19.”

Audio from today’s press conference is attached, featuring Minister Rattenbury and Dr Elizabeth Moore, Co-ordinator General of the ACT Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing. Photos are also available on request.

To apply for the grants or to find out more, contact the ACT Office for Mental Health and Well-being at OfficeforMHW@act.gov.au.

- Statement ends -

Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases


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