The Andrews Labor Government will provide $1.2 million in 2015-16 to fund programs that promote the rights, health and wellbeing of young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) Victorians.
The funding will go to groups and organisations across Victoria under the Healthy Equal Youth (HEY) project.
Mr Foley today visited Peninsula Pride, located in headspace Frankston, to announce the funding and welcome the organisation as a new partner of the HEY Project. Peninsula Pride will receive $100,000 to expand the Project to the Mornington Peninsula.
The HEY Project aims to raise awareness, promote acceptance of diversity, eliminate stigma and discrimination, and improve mental health, including tackling suicide in young LGBTI people.
The $1.2 million in funding will allow organisations such as Peninsula Pride to provide more resources and information to support local LGBTI young people, and establish local youth groups using web-based social media strategies to engage and develop youth leadership.
The funding is part of the $5.9 million secured by the Andrews Labor Government in the 2015-16 Victorian Budget to support programs that promote the rights, mental health and wellbeing of LGBTI Victorians.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley
“Equal rights for LGBTI Victorians are not negotiable. We want to give young LGBTI people the support they need to be themselves and live in a society that respects them for who they are.”
“We’re committed to removing discrimination against LGBTI people from Victorian laws, and these grants will support work to remove it from society.”
“The statistics tell us that young LGBTI people are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicide. This is often driven by fear of discrimination and bullying.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke
“Peninsula Pride does very valuable work here in Frankston, and this funding will allow them to support more young people and have a bigger impact on our community. I look forward to watching this project grow.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020