Social and emotional wellbeing funding grants now open

The Palaszczuk Government today announced more than $1 million in grants for locally-led social and emotional wellbeing projects in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Craig Crawford said funding would support mental health and suicide prevention projects.

“We know locally-led initiatives are the best way to build positive change in communities,’’ Mr Crawford said.

“When we work in partnership with local leaders, we can embrace community strengths and build on their priorities and aspirations.

“Up to five applicants will receive grant funding of up to $235,000 to improve mental health and deliver additional suicide prevention and recovery programs in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.’’

Under Local Thriving Communities reform, other projects include childhood development and family support; skills in emotional wellbeing; health priorities and suicide prevention; and after-hours support services.

Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic said there was strong evidence to link traditional concepts and social and emotional wellbeing in Indigenous communities.

He said traditional healing practices, combined with clinical perspectives, can achieve the best mental health and suicide prevention outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Expressions of Interest can be submitted through the Department’s website.

Applications close Friday, April 20 at 5pm.

For more information, or to register your interest, please visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/firstnations/grants-funding/local-thriving-communities-grants

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Media contact:  Peter Michael 0477948091