A program supporting at-risk youth and diverting them away from crime has received a $73,240 grant from the Rockliff Liberal Government to bolster its program.
JCP Youth is one of 26 community-led preventative health projects receiving a share of $2 million in funding through the latest Healthy Tasmania Fund round.
The not-for-profit organisation gets young people out of cities and into physical activities, healthy lifestyles, weekend camps.
Liberal Member for Bass Simon Wood said the Healthy Tasmania Fund was an important part of the Government's Healthy Tasmania Five-Year Strategic Plan 2022-2026 to bring together communities, services and all levels of government to work in partnership for improved health and wellbeing.
"These grants are part of the Rockliff Liberal Government's plan to keep Tasmanians healthy and well," Mr Wood said.
"As the Liberal member for Bass, I know what a fantastic job Will Smith and his team at JCP Youth do to improve the lives of at-risk and vulnerable young people.
"All Tasmanians should have the opportunity to live their best lives for as long as possible and this grant will support JCP Youth to bolster its services, provide formal mental first aid training to volunteers, provide healthy meals and purchase sports equipment."
JCP Youth executive director Will Smith said the grant was huge for the program.
"We are so excited and thankful to the Tasmanian Government for the Healthy Focus Grant," Mr Smith said.
"JCP Youth is currently working with about 80 at-risk young people and this grant enables the program to be more sustainable and healthier.
"Our street teams engage with young people after-hours in and around our cities, as well as connecting with young people once they have been released from a police station."
JCP Youth works closely with young people most at risk of reoffending.
Since its inception in 2021, JCP Youth has turned out 13 student leaders and two school captains.
Mr Wood said the Rockliff Liberal Government was proud to support organisations like JCP Youth through the Healthy Tasmania Fund, with $8 million in funding committed over four years.
More than $770,000 in grant funding has already been awarded to almost 100 community-based preventive health initiatives through the fund.
Further funding opportunities will soon be available with a second round of Step Forward grants – grants of up to $5,000 – set to open in July and the second round of Healthy Focus grants to be offered in 2024.
