Wentworth Healthcare is offering well-being grants to support the mental health of local farming communities.
Well-Being Grants for Farming Communities will provide grants of between $1,000 and $50,000 to organisations and community-led initiatives in Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Penrith that will help support the mental health, long-term well-being and resilience of farming communities.
Wentworth Healthcare, provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network (NBMPHN), is funding the grants through the Federal Government’s Empowering our Communities initiative which aims to help farmers, families and communities deal with the uncertainty, stress and anxiety of drought conditions.
CEO Lizz Reay said: “Coming from a farming family myself, I understand the financial and emotional strain extreme weather conditions can have on farming families and the wider community.
“Significant parts of our region have been identified as being impacted by drought and the objective of these grants is to support organisations and community-led initiatives which will promote individual and community resilience and help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.”
Various activities and initiatives aimed at supporting farming communities may be considered for funding, including community events that increase links to mental health and suicide prevention services; group activities known to improve physical and mental health; community education on managing stress and financial pressures; and programs to build community cohesion and links between farmers.
Not-for-profit organisations, community groups, individuals or organisations auspiced by a not-for-profit, social enterprises, local governments and sporting clubs are all eligible to apply.
Apply at www.nbmphn.com.au/grants.
