Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes has unveiled a new $1 million Mental Wellbeing Grant initiative aimed at enhancing the mental health support of emergency service workers and volunteers across Victoria.
The funding will be distributed among five key agencies as part of the state’s Emergency Responders Health Program, which is designed to bolster mental wellbeing resources for those on the frontlines of crisis response.
“Our emergency service workers and volunteers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. This initiative ensures they have the mental health support they need to continue their vital work,” said Minister Symes.
Life Saving Victoria (LSV) will receive a grant of $200,000 to launch a cultural development program that fosters inclusivity, respect, and psychological safety for its volunteers and staff. The initiative will focus on training, peer support, and the enhancement of mental health resources across various age groups.
A $180,000 grant will be directed towards Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue units to develop a statewide mental health and wellbeing strategy. This long-term plan aims to address the mental health challenges faced by the volunteers who undertake often traumatising and high-stress operations at sea.
The remaining grants will support projects designed to improve mental health resources for emergency responders at Ambulance Victoria, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, and the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES).
This funding aims to ensure that those who dedicate their lives to keeping communities safe have access to the mental health support they need to maintain their wellbeing.
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