Hey, here’s a chance to get a grant

THE state government is continuing its support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) young people through the latest round of Healthy Equal Youth (HEY) Project Grants.

The $6 million program aims to raise awareness, promote diversity, eliminate stigma and discrimination, and improve the overall mental health of LGBTIQ+ young people in Victoria.

To date, the program has supported more than 65 organisations in improving the mental health and wellbeing of young LGBTIQ+ Victorians, with grants of up to $10,000.

This funding assists organisations to develop new and innovative approaches to address and support the mental health of young same sex attracted and sex and gender diverse (SSASGD) people in their local communities.

The mental health and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ Victorians is a high priority in Victoria’s 10-year Mental Health Plan which aims to reduce the stigma around mental health and give consumers and their families the support they need.

The program is administered and co-ordinated by the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic).

“The HEY Grants are one of many ways we are supporting young LGBTIQ+ Victorians and promoting the importance of diversity and tolerance within our community,” Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley said.

“As part of our 10-year mental health plan we’re working with same sex attracted and gender diverse young people and communities to build resilience, address discrimination and minimise the factors that threaten their good mental health.”

“This important program has already supported 65 local organisations with projects that are tailored specifically to the LGBTIQ+ community, and I encourage more organisations to apply for this latest round of HEY Grants to help get their ideas off the ground.”

Applications close on August 21. For more information on the HEY Project, head to heyproject.org.au.