Community groups and organisations with an interest in the health and wellbeing of people living and working on the Bellarine are being encouraged to apply for funding under the Health and Wellbeing Fund run by Bellarine Community Health.
Chair of the fund’s Advisory Committee Garry Royal said the 2017 round of funding opens from 9am on Friday 7 April for a six-week period.
“The Health and Wellbeing Fund is a great opportunity for local organisations to take action on what they think is important for our community,” Garry said.
Applications are invited across seven categories including physical activity, prevention and management of chronic conditions, sexual health and wellbeing, harm minimisation from alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, mental health, improving access to nutritious and affordable food and improving social connections.
Incorporated community groups and not-for-profit organisations can apply for small grants of up to $5000 and partnership projects of up to $50,000.
More than $148,000 was allocated to 19 projects across the Bellarine in last year’s inaugural funding round of the Health and Wellbeing Fund.
Funding for a mood support group, a parent food education program and equipment to support participation in social and physical activity were among the projects funded in the Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and Wallington area.
“There is such a strong sense of community here,” Garry said.
“The Health and Wellbeing Fund can really support this community to take a leap towards greater health and wellbeing.”
A series of information sessions have been scheduled to provide applicants with guidance on their ideas and writing their grant application.
A community Advisory Committee of residents from across the Bellarine oversee the management of the Fund and provide funding recommendations to the Bellarine Community Health Board.
For further information about the fund, application forms or information sessions, visit www.bch.org.au/be-healthy or contact the Grants Officer on 5258 0814 or email h&wfund@bch.org.au.
