Barwon Health understands the importance of mental health promotion in supporting the health of our community.
What do we do?
We develop promotion and prevention programs that aim to improve the overall mental health and wellbeing of whole communities.
What is mental health promotion and prevention?
The World Health Organisation (2022) describes mental health promotion and prevention as actions that:
What is mental wellbeing?
Mental wellbeing describes a dynamic state of complete physical, mental, social, and spiritual wellbeing in which a person can develop to their potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and creatively, build strong and positive relationships with others and contribute to the community.
Mental wellbeing can be influenced by our genetics, life experiences, relationships, social and cultural backgrounds, and the environments in which we are born, live, learn, work and play. [2]
Why focus on mental wellbeing?
Mental health and wellbeing is important to us all and affect not individuals but whole communities. It therefore requires a whole community approach.
What do we do?
We develop promotion and prevention programs that aim to improve the overall mental health and wellbeing of whole communities.
Mental Health Promotion Community Grants 2024
Earlier in 2024, our grant round opened to meet community mental health needs in four areas:
- Increase awareness of the importance of and factors that enhance mental wellbeing
- Enhance community resilience
- Increase social connectedness and reduce loneliness
- Reduce mental health risk factors for priority groups
We are delighted to announce our three successful grantees for 2024:
- Norlane Community Centre – Antifragile art program
- Bellarine Training & Community Hub – Drop-In Youth Program
- Read the Play – Mental health literacy program (12-14 year olds)
Past projects by our grant recipients include:
- Sexuality And Gender Alliance (SAGA) – Out in the World short film about Amy, a transgender dungeons and dragons master fights to develop safe spaces for young people in regional Victoria.
- Meli – Communities that Care “I need you to say no” Campaign reducing the provision of alcohol to young people.
- Meli – Communities that Care case study
- Cultura – Improving mental health and wellbeing for multicultural youth case study
Related links
Page last updated: November 18, 2024