Volunteer organisation Avenel Active was granted $6180 via the program last month to deliver mental health first aid training to 10 community members following the January Longwood bushfire.
Now in its 12th round, the program provides small, rural communities across Australia with the opportunity to access funding for a range of community-led projects and initiatives with a focus on strengthening mental and emotional wellbeing.
Community groups can apply for a share of $300,000 via two funding streams:
- community wellbeing: for projects that focus on strengthening the general mental health and wellbeing of people in remote, rural and regional communities, and;
- farmers and farming communities: for projects specifically supporting the mental health and wellbeing of farmers and the communities they live in.
FRRR head of granting Jill Karena said the program was more critical than ever, as people navigated growing social and economic pressures.
“Local NFP groups are deeply connected to their communities, engaging directly with local people, so they are best placed to understand the pressures communities face and deliver the support that’s needed,” Ms Karena said.
“People living and working in remote and rural areas deserve the same timely access to preventative and early intervention mental health support as those in our cities.
“That’s why we’re backing local organisations that are delivering on-the-ground support, filling service gaps and making it easier for people to find local support, when and where they need it.”
Ms Karena said there were a number of community initiatives this funding could be applied to, including tackling stigma, providing training and creating local spaces where vulnerable people could connect.
“FRRR’s In a Good Place program empowers local organisations to strengthen their communities by building the knowledge, skills and networks needed to support mental health and wellbeing, while ensuring people know they don’t have to face challenges alone,” she said.
“We look forward to seeing the inspiring projects put forward in this round of applications.”
Applications are currently open and will close on August 18 at 5pm.
Funding will be announced in early December.
For more information, visit frrr.org.au/funding/in-a-good-place
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