Healthy funding pool up for grabs

BELLARINE Community Health (BCH) recently launched a $1.2 million community grants program to improve health and wellbeing on the Bellarine.
The health service intends to allocate about $200,000 from the Health and Wellbeing Fund each year to local community groups and not-for-profit organisations.
Health and Wellbeing Fund advisory committee chairman Garry Royal is inviting grant applications for the inaugural funding round.
“This fund is about supporting our local community to take action on the health and wellbeing issues that are important to them,” Mr Royal said.
“The fund is open to small projects up to $5000 and partnership projects of up to $50,000 for incorporated community groups and not-for-profit organisations.”
The Health and Wellbeing Fund is open for projects across all age groups. Applications from businesses and individuals under the auspice of an eligible organisation are also welcome.
Applications are open for numerous categories, from physical activity and sexual health, to drugs, alcohol and mental health.
“Health change principals tell us that there are better health outcomes when people are engaged in the design and delivery of project ideas,” Mr Royal said.
Applications close at 5pm, 6 May. The health service will hold application information sessions across the Bellarine in April if people require assistance.
For further information about the fund, eligibility guidelines and information sessions visit www.bch.org.au, call 5258 0814 or email h&wfund@bch.org.au