FRRR’s In a Good Place (IAGP) program has awarded $286,992 to 18 not-for-profit organisations in remote, rural and regional communities for community-driven projects, services, activities or initiatives that help people at risk of, or currently experiencing, mental health challenges. 

The grants, of up to $20,000, have been awarded by FRRR thanks to support from long-term partner CCI Giving, as well as Macdoch Foundation, Jibb Foundation, Morris Family Foundation, Norman Family Foundation and Rebecca Gorman & John Sevior, all of whom have come on board this year to support an expanded program. 

For the last seven years, the focus of this program has been on supporting mental well-being in rural communities. However, following the release of the NFF’s National Farmer Wellbeing Report, six new partners have joined with FRRR to support a second stream of funding focusing specifically on the mental health of farmers and farming communities. 

Jeremy Yipp, Chair of CCI Giving, said social isolation is a big challenge in remote, rural and regional communities. 

“Most applications this round focused on addressing current and emerging mental health issues that are a result of social isolation – an impact of the pandemic that’s still being felt in rural communities,” said Yipp.  

“Programs like IAGP mean that small grassroots organisations, community health providers and even local councils can access funding to create opportunities for social connection to support both personal and community resilience.”  

Michelle Gortan, CEO of Macdoch Foundation, one of the new IAGP partners, said that applications for the new stream of funding confirmed the importance of community-led initiatives to support mental health. 

“The applications for the farmers and farming communities stream confirm that grassroots, non-clinical initiatives play an essential role in filling growing gaps in the system.” 

“We’ve been impressed by FRRR’s wide and deep reach into rural and regional communities, which has highlighted the need for investment in projects that promote preventative and responsive mental health approaches in farming and agriculture-dependent communities, all over Australia.” 

Jill Karena, FRRR’s People Programs Portfolio Lead, said there are a range of factors in agriculture-dependent communities that affect wellbeing. 

“The new farmers and farming communities’ stream of the IAGP program has given us the chance to offer more funding and support to projects that are filling the gaps in mental health services in farming communities.” 

According to Karena, these places are often under a lot of pressure due to natural disasters, inflation and financial stress – all of which can lead to high levels of mental health struggles.  

“We’re thrilled to have our new partners on board the IAGP program to help promote positive mental health outcomes in these communities,” added Karena.   

Karena went on to highlight the importance of supporting initiatives in First Nations communities where mental health projects go hand in hand with culture. 

“During this round, we also saw an increase in applications from First Nations organisations, many of which highlighted the vital nature of connection to culture and Country for social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations peoples.” 

“It means a lot for us to be able to support these initiatives, as we strive to play our part to help close the gap in access for these communities,” Karena added. 

A list of the grant recipients and their projects, which include some innovative ways to promote current mental health services to vulnerable cohorts that wouldn’t normally seek assistance – such as working dog training, art, or environmental projects – is available on FRRR’s website.