Tackling social isolation and loneliness

• The Miles Government is putting $200,000 behind initiatives to tackle social isolation and loneliness among culturally and linguistically diverse Queenslanders and communities.
• Grants of up to $50,000 are available for community-led solutions for better social connections, community cohesion and jobs participation.
• The grants are part of the Miles Government’s $4 million Communities Innovation Fund.

Applications are open for the second $200,000 round of grants for initiatives to ease social isolation and loneliness in Queensland.

The grants are part of the Miles Government’s $4 million Communities Innovation Fund and recognise the potential for social isolation and loneliness in culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Including the unique experiences of people from migrant and refugee backgrounds, people seeking asylum, and Australian South Sea Islander people, which may place them at increased risk of social isolation and loneliness.

Up to $50,000 is available for eligible organisations with innovative, community-led ideas for events, courses and professional development opportunities that improve loneliness, job readiness and community connection.  

Applications close at 2pm on Monday 22 April 2024.

For more information and to apply, visit: www.qld.gov.au/communities-innovation-fund.

Quotes attributable to Communities Minister Leeanne Enoch:

“We know loneliness and social isolation can affect not only individual health but also the wellbeing of the broader community.

“The Miles Government’s Communities Innovation Fund is just one of the ways we’re working towards a more inclusive Queensland, because all Queenslanders should have the same opportunities for social and economic participation.

“Our Communities Innovation Fund has already backed many great community-led ideas from dragon boating in Bundaberg and touch football in Tully to storytelling in the South-East.

“And in this second round, even more good community ideas will be supported for tackling loneliness and social isolation and reinforcing Queensland’s reputation as a world-class, welcoming and inclusive destination on the runway to Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Fast facts:

The Communities Innovation Fund was established in 2022 in response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into social isolation and loneliness in Queensland, with the $4 million allocated over four years to 2026.

The fund is an initiative of Communities 2032, the Queensland Government’s 10-year plan for supporting vibrant, inclusive, safe and welcoming communities.

Find out more about the Communities 2032 strategy and Communities 2032 Action Plan 2022-2025 at www.qld.gov.au/communities2032.

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