The state Government is investing nearly $1.4 million to enhance men’s mental health and prevent suicides, with expanded funding awarded to 34 grassroots organisations to deliver targeted community-led programs for men across the state.
They have boosted funding for the Men’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Small Grants Program to $1,375,205 – an increase from the $400,000 originally announced.
The grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 and will help community and grassroots organisations deliver targeted mental health and suicide prevention initiatives for men and boys.
The projects funded have a focus on priority populations including Aboriginal men, boys and young adult men, older men, men living with a disability, men living in rural and remote areas, and GBTQ+ men.
The grants will support local mentoring and peer support groups, forums and BBQs, and activities like walking groups, coffee meetups and yarning circles for men across the state to promote men’s mental health, wellbeing and resilience with an aim to reduce suicide rates in NSW.
Local organisations set to receive funding include:
Directions Health services in the Bega Valley shire will be receiving nearly 29 thousand for their services supporting rural and indigenous men.
SHedaway on the South Coast is set to receive a share of 50 thousand dollars to support Rural and remote men, but also shearers predominantly
If you, or someone you know, is in a life-threatening situation please seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000). For those contemplating suicide or experiencing severe distress, the following helplines are available 24/7:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- 13 YARN: 13 92 76
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467.
Additionally, the NSW Mental Health Line (1800 011 511) offers 24/7 advice on accessing local specialist mental health services.
