Discrimination is a common high-risk factor for members of the LGBTIQ community, with many experiencing personal rejection, hostility, harassment, bullying and physical violence far too often.
In order to address this discrimination and help reduce the risk of poor mental health and suicidal ideation for LGBTIQ people, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) is offering small grants to providers located within our region.
Grants of up to $10,000 each will be available for community groups, suicide prevention networks and non-government organisations to help them tackle discrimination and encourage acceptance in places where, historically, LGBTIQ people have been excluded or faced hostility.
This project will target the LGBTIQ groups most at risk of poorer mental health and suicide, including trans and gender diverse, bisexual and intersex people across all age groups, with a strong focus on regional areas within the NWMPHN catchment.
Kian, a member of NWMPHN’s LGBTIQ Suicide Prevention Trial Taskforce, said if the grants are used effectively, they could improve life for the LGBTIQ community.
“I think they could have a really good impact on the community, with encouraging the acceptance of people and building support networks,” Kian said.
Kian grew up in regional Australia, without the community acceptance that is available now. Since experiencing LGBTIQ safe spaces and support networks, Kian has experienced a huge difference in their ability to feel safe being themselves and believes these grants will help others feel the same.
NWMPHN is looking forward to working with providers to implement much needed changes and is grateful to be able to provide this opportunity in such uncertain times.
Interested applicants can visit nwmphn.org.au/tenders for more information. Applications close at 5:00pm on Friday, 18 September 2020.
