Funding for four projects will empower local community organisations to address youth mental health by the year’s end, using $60,000 from the City of Kwinana’s WAPHA Community Grants Scheme.
Mayor Carol Adams said the funding would help deliver programs and events to reduce disconnection in the community; increase belonging and mental health literacy and education; and reduce stigma and suicide risk among young people.
“I congratulate the successful applicants and note that this WAPHA Community Grants Scheme is part of a larger investment in youth mental health here in Kwinana being delivered in partnership with the WA Primary Health Alliance,” Mayor Adams said.
Under the WAPHA Community Grants Scheme, Inspire Radio will use $15,000 to facilitate a radio show run by young people which will air from Kwinana’s Darius Wells Library and Resource Centre.
Moorditj Koort Aboriginal Corporation and The Institute of Indigenous Wellbeing and Sport will collaborate to use a $20,000 grant for a one-off Youth Cultural Camp in the school holidays as a pilot program to develop ongoing camps from 2023 as a community-led initiative.
Anglicare WA will also receive $10,000 for a Building Resilience in Parents (BRiP) workshop to support parents and carers who have children experiencing suicidal behaviour and/or non-suicidal self-injury.
Global Development Group (GDG), in partnership with Armed for Life, will receive $15,000 to deliver a Wellbeing Day as a one-day program or split up over multiple days in schools within the City of Kwinana.
Funding eligibility requires all events to take place before the end of the year, Mayor Adams said.
“Census 2021 data revealed mental health conditions (including depression or anxiety) were the highest reported long-term health conditions in the City of Kwinana, followed by asthma, arthritis and diabetes,” she said.
“This highlights a need to focus resources and engage the expertise of respected organisations qualified in this field and connected to the community to foster mental health wellbeing.
“The City of Kwinana is therefore proud to partner with the WA Primary Health Alliance to deliver $100,000 for three major initiatives targeting youth mental health."