NINE local organisations in areas affected by the 2019-20 bushfires will benefit from grants of up to $20,000 to support the mental health and wellbeing of their towns.
Health and Wellbeing Minister Stephen Wade said community groups in the Adelaide Hills, Yorke Peninsula and Kangaroo Island have been awarded funding as part of the second round of Wellbeing SA's Strengthening Community Wellbeing after Bushfires grants.
"While the immediate effects of the fires become less visible, the longer-term health and wellbeing impacts are becoming clearer," he said.
"Research tells us that it can take years for people and communities to recover from a significant crisis such as a bushfire. Communities will often experience higher rates of mental health, domestic violence, substance abuse, child abuse and suicide.
"The State Government is committed to supporting fire-affected communities in their journey and is providing $2.6 million over four years into the Bushfire Recovery Mental Health Project."
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Wellbeing SA chief executive Lyn Dean said these grants empowered communities to determine the most effective, meaningful ways to find solutions that are right for them.
"We received a total of 36 applications for Round Two of the grants program and among the nine successful recipients is a workshop for women on KI to re-build resilience, a wellbeing hub in the Adelaide Hills, and a community garden for children and families in Yorketown," she said.
"While there is no quick-fix for improving mental health and wellbeing, the purpose of these grants is to deliver targeted assistance where it is needed most.
"The successful recipients all displayed creative and versatile approaches to strengthening communities and building resilience and we are excited to be able to help fund these projects in areas still feeling the effects of a devastating bushfire season."
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