Partnerships Charities Investment Latest News

Bupa Foundation seeds growth for healthier communities

Daniel Milton December 9, 2024

Bupa Foundation invests $520,000 in 54 community groups across Australia and New Zealand to create healthier cities.

Bupa has announced that 54 community groups will share $520,000 from the 2024 Bupa Foundation Community Grants program. These grants will support initiatives that promote mental health, environmental sustainability, and social connection.

“Local community groups may be small in scale, but their impact on society from a health and environmental perspective is immense,” said Roger Sharp, Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer at Bupa Asia Pacific. “While we support major initiatives, boosting grassroots programs remains a vital part of our mission to create healthier cities.”

This year’s diverse range of grant recipients spans all Australian states and territories, as well as both islands of New Zealand. The funded programs cover a wide spectrum of initiatives, including:

Mental health support: Programs addressing mental health challenges, particularly among young people and vulnerable groups.
Social connection: Initiatives fostering social connection and reducing loneliness, especially for older adults.
Environmental sustainability: Projects promoting sustainable practices and protecting the environment.
Health and wellbeing: Programs promoting healthy lifestyles, such as physical activity, nutrition, and mindfulness.

Some notable recipients include Batyr Australia, which will use its grant to deliver preventative mental health education and early intervention programs in schools. By emphasising peer-to-peer lived experience storytelling, Batyr aims to break down stigma and empower young people to seek help.

Another recipient, The Project Rockit Foundation, will use its grant to address social disadvantage in low-socioeconomic schools. Through workshops that build resilience, peer connections, and social skills, the foundation aims to create positive change within these communities.

Recipient Berry Street Victoria will run SafeCare, an evidence-based early intervention program for parents of children under 5 who are at risk of or have been reported, for neglect or abuse.

By investing in these grassroots initiatives, the Bupa Foundation is empowering communities to take ownership of their health and well-being. This approach aligns with Bupa’s broader mission of helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives.