VicHealth has announced $2.5 million in new health promotion funding to support local organisations to address the immediate health and wellbeing concerns of Victorian’s hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
Eildon MP Cindy McLeish encourages all local organisations whether they be sporting clubs, community gardens, arts organisations, community groups and youth services to apply for VicHealth’s Reimagining Health grant which opened 16 September.
“We have so many hardworking and dedicated local organisations who could use this funding to make a significant impact on the health of people living in our community in the next 12 months and beyond,” Ms McLeish said.
Funding grants of $3000, $10,000 or $50,000 are available for local organisations whose ideas can support young people, Victorian’s experiencing disadvantage and their communities by creating meaningful social connections, get active and access healthy, affordable food.
“Many local community organisations have been hit hard due to Covid-19 restrictions and have had to close. This has resulted in the community suffering because they don’t have access to their usual outlets, exercise and social interactions.”
“VicHealth’s Reimagining Health grant is a great initiative for local organisations to prepare for the ease of restrictions and offer mental health support and general wellbeing to the community once again,” Ms McLeish said.
VicHealth CEO Dr Sandro Demaio said in the midst of the global coronavirus pandemic, it’s vital that we work quickly to protect the health and wellbeing of Victorians.
“Victorians spoke, and we listened. Many communities were already fighting an uphill battle before the pandemic hit and are now facing greater challenges when it comes to putting healthy food on the table, keeping active and staying connected to others in their community,” he said.
“Our grants will support new or existing ideas and help amplify projects already in place, in order to reach more members of the Victorian community and help them improve their health and wellbeing on our path to recovery.”
“We understand how challenging the pandemic has been for grassroots organisations, so we’ve simplified our grant application and sped up our assessment process.”
Local organisations are encouraged to apply for the grants through the VicHealth website as soon as possible for the opportunity to be funded early. For further information or to apply, https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/funding/reimagining-health-grants
Applications close 11.59pm Tuesday 27 October.
