Local organisations working to support mental health and greater connection in their communities have received a financial boost today, with Australia Post announcing the 70 recipients of its 2022 Community Grants.
Grants of up to $10,000 each have been awarded to help fund initiatives across every state and territory, ranging from art therapy, peer support groups and cultural connection programs. Half the successful applicants are in rural and remote locations.
In total, Australia Post is investing more than $500,000 in community-led, local projects that connect individuals and promote improved mental health. It is the third consecutive year the Community Grants program has focussed on connection and mental wellbeing.
Australia Post Executive General Manager Community, Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement, Tanny Mangos said the grants enabled local organisations to run programs making a real difference to mental health, and to tailor support to the needs of their community.
"Australia Post recognises the important role that local organisations can play in building resilience and supporting mental wellbeing within their community."
"These grants help enhance community connections, and we know that when we connect with others, we feel better. We also know that this often results in improved mental health outcomes, and we want to support the organisations that are helping make this happen," she said.
The 2022 grant recipients support a range of groups including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, LGBTIQ+ communities, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, people with a disability or care commitments, and young people.
"The continued impact of the pandemic, financial pressures, isolation and the constant demands of everyday life can all impact on mental wellbeing. Mental health is a key area of focus at Australia Post, and we're pleased to award these grants to support such a diverse range of important projects."
The announcement of grant recipients continues a focus on mental health during September, with Australia Post also encouraging people to connect using free pre-paid postcards as part of a collaboration with Beyond Blue.
"We aim to make mental health part of everyday conversations and support people to stay well and our postcards initiative and the community grants both play a role in this," she said.
The full list of Australia Post's 2022 Community Grants recipients and more information about the program is available at: auspost.com.au/grants.
