Mental health emerged as the major theme at the awarding of the Mumbulla Foundation’s 2017 grants on Friday, December 15.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In partnership with Bega Vallley Shire Council, the Mumbulla Foundation nominated 22 community groups and organisations for a share of $70,000 raised through donations and sponsorship.
Youth mental health first aid training will be rolled out free of charge for the first time in the region by Grand Pacific Health.
GPH will use its Mumbulla Foundation grant to train youth health officer Liz Scott as a mental health first aid instructor to equip high schools and community groups with the knowledge to deal with youth in crisis.
Fling Physical Theater will also explore youth mental health through its upcoming project, My Black Dog.
The performance group will tour local schools to explore the realities of regional living for young people and the associated mental health concerns in tandem with a wellbeing program.
The audience broke into applause when the Bemboka Lions Club announced its grant put it over the funding target for the construction of a Men’s Shed.
The Bemboka Men’s Shed is scheduled to open in May 2018 at Colombo Park and will provide a constructive and compassionate place for men facing isolation.
The Far South Coast Maternity Advisory Group will use its Mumbulla Foundation grant to continue providing packs for mothers who have suffered from miscarriage or maternity loss.
Developed last year, the packs were a huge success and comfort for grieving mothers. FSCMAG will also host an R U OK day event to discuss perinatal depression, emotional changes and how to access support.
Women’s Resource Centre secured funding for its Balance program, running workshops to empower women facing mental health issues, isolation and violence with yoga, boxing and art.
Other health grants were awarded to South East Arts to fund lunchtime music performances at South East Regional Hospital and to Bermagui Surf Life Saving Club to finance a beach wheelchair, giving participants of the Same Wave better access to the sand and sea.
Mumbulla Foundation chairman Gary Potts said they received a high quality of grant applications.
“When you think about what is important for a community, it’s represented here,” he said.