Funding available to boost rural mental health

The program, co-designed by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal and Catholic Church Insurance Giving, provides grants of up to $20,000 to fund community-driven initiatives aiming to reduce social isolation, increase social participation, and increase help-seeking for those who face or are potentially facing mental health issues.

FRRR chief executive officer Natalie Egleton said it was important to invest in the mental health of those living in rural communities.

"It is vital that people living in rural, remote and regional Australia have access to the appropriate treatment to improve their mental health - where and when they need it," she said.

"Research shows that by improving mental health, there is increased community resilience and social connectedness, leading to increased productivity, economic participation, and employment."

More than $12 million in small grants across more than 1500 projects Australia-wide have been delivered by FRRR, all addressing mental health or wellbeing challenges.

"We are pleased to see this investment continue through the In A Good Place grants program, as we know it has flow-on impacts," Ms Egleton said.

"Research shows that by improving mental health, there is increased community resilience and social connectedness, leading to increased productivity, economic participation, and employment."

CCI Giving chief executive officer and director Roberto Scenna said the benefits of the program were long-lasting.

"There have been some wonderful projects funded by the In A Good Place program to date, and we look forward to hearing about stronger, and more resilient communities into the future," he said.

Applications for the program close on August 13.

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