Mental Health Commission grant supports LGBTIQA+ Western Australians

The Mental Health Commission has awarded Living Proud Inc a $150,000 grant to run a small grants program called Proud and Connected Community Grants which will support people in Western Australia (WA) who identity as LGBTIQA+.

The program enables eligible community organisations in the state to secure grants of up to $25,000 to deliver activities which increase connections and strengthen resilience in the LGBTIQA+ community.

Research has shown that WA’s LGBTIQA+ community continues to experience psychological distress, social isolation, and discrimination. This program will support local groups to work with the LGBTIQA+ community to develop and run activities which increase social connections and improve mental wellbeing.

Acting Mental Health Commissioner Lindsay Hale said the community-led style of delivery recognises the expertise of local organisations in understanding, and addressing, the needs of their communities.

“This investment in Living Proud Inc is another example of the Mental Health Commission recognising the importance of local organisations being involved in the design and delivery of activities for the communities they know best,” Mr Hale said.

“Living Proud has been supporting LGBTIQA+ individuals and communities in Western Australia for more than 40 years, making them well placed to manage this program.

“With the LGBTIQA+ community at increased risk of stigma, discrimination and exclusion it is vital to provide support which strengthens connections and builds the community’s resilience.

“In this community driven way, we can work to reduce the risk of our LGBTIQA+ people experiencing mental health and alcohol and other drug issues.”

Living Proud Inc is inviting grant applications from community organisations until Sunday 2 April 2023.

Register to the attend the free information session at 6pm on Monday 13 March 2023 online or in person at City West Lotteries House to learn more.