Nineteen NFPs helping people from farming and rural communities at risk of, or currently experiencing, mental health challenges are sharing in $334,501 in grants through FRRR’s In a Good Place (IAGP) program.
The grants will support these NFPs in raising awareness of positive mental health practices, promoting broad discussion about mental health issues to combat stigma, and providing opportunities for social connection to enhance personal and community resilience.
With the support of FRRR’s donor partners, the IAGP program has been able to fund a wide range of general community wellbeing projects and 10 initiatives specifically designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of farmers and their communities.
FRRR Head of Granting Jill Karena said that the continued demand for IAGP grants shows that there is a strong desire to overcome the perceived stigma around mental health in the bush.
“Equitable access to mental health services, training and support is a persistent concern for non-metro regions across the country, so supporting NFPs to help bridge this gap is something that FRRR is incredibly passionate about. We are grateful to work with like-minded partners who share this mission,” Karena said.
The IAGP program is becoming an increasingly critical funding source for community organisations that serve as a vital lifeline of mental health support for people living in remote, rural and regional communities. According to Karena, the more we can fund mental health projects and services in these places, the more farmers and rural people can see that it takes strength, not weakness, to reach out and accept help.
“To help break down these barriers, we’ve awarded grants to NFPs that will bring farmers and people from the country together in a safe space where they can listen to and engage with relatable guest speakers who will share their lived experiences. In Dookie, in Victoria, and Smithton in Tasmania, the Just a Farmer film will be a great catalyst for local farmers and other rural community members to join these frank and sometimes challenging conversations,” Karena explained.
She said that in other communities, such as Queenstown in Tasmania, Kerang in Victoria, Wardell in New South Wales, Chapman Valley in Western Australia and Bowen in Queensland, locals are keen to do mental health training. Doing certifications and courses, such as Mental Health First Aid, safeTalk, Assist and other suicide prevention education programs, means that people who might be doing it tough will have better access to the resources and support they need.
“We’re supporting these kinds of initiatives because we know that education empowers local people to support and strengthen one another, which is a key factor in sustaining a vibrant and resilient rural Australia,” Karena said.
According to her, FRRR is also directing funding to disaster-affected remote, rural and regional communities where isolation and the loss of physical and social structures can exacerbate mental health issues, especially for more vulnerable people. In places like Rochester in Victoria, these funds will provide practical assistance and access to mental health support services as these regions continue recovering from flooding events.
“Extreme weather events, the changing climate and shifting industries and markets are also affecting agriculture-dependent communities like Mossman in Queensland. To support these regions, some of the grants will enable NFPs to support farmers and their communities to connect, relate, learn and share how their mental health has been affected by climate change, disasters and environmental disruption,” Karena added.
The next round of the IAGP program will open in July.
The program is collaboratively supported by FRRR’s partners, APS Foundation and CCI Giving, Well Thanks Foundation, the Farmer & Farming Community Funder Collective consisting of Macdoch Foundation, Jibb Foundation, Morris Family Foundation, Norman Family Foundation and Rebecca Gorman & John Sevior, and general donations.
Read also: Bupa Foundation offers $600K funding to local community organisations
Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
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