Premier

More Support For Our LGBTI Youth On Wear It Purple Day

26 August 2016

The Andrews Labor Government today opened two grants rounds that will provide more support for same-sex attracted and gender diverse young people.

Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley opened the next round of the Health Equal Youth (HEY) Project grants program and announced a new $1 million funding program for LGBTI organisations to support more members of the community.

Mr Foley made the announcement as part of a panel discussion at Elwood College for Wear it Purple Day, which promotes the need for communities to recognise, celebrate and support the diversity of young people.

The Labor Government has expanded the HEY Project to support regional Victoria with the Victorian Budget 2016/17 providing an extra $1 million to fund Parents of Gender Diverse Children and Brophy Family Services that support the Gippsland, Ballarat and Warrnambool communities.

The next round of the HEY grants will provide:

  • Social Connectedness Grants of up to $10,000 for projects that provide direct support to same-sex attracted and gender diverse young people through events, or by ensuring the best access to local information and support
  • Grants of up to $10,000 for youth led initiatives – activities or projects that are designed, delivered and managed by young people under the age of 26.

For the first time, the LGBTI Community Grants Program will open next week. It will support organisations, volunteer groups and individuals working with the LGBTI community to improve their health and wellbeing.

More information on the HEY grants can be found at: http://heyproject.org.au/External Link

More information on the LGBTI Community Grants Program can be found at http://vic.gov.au/equalityExternal Link

Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health and Equality Martin Foley

“It’s great to be with the Elwood College community who have shown great leadership in breaking down the barriers that same sex attracted and gender diverse young people face.”

“Expanding the HEY Project will see more young people and their families receive more support when it comes to their mental health and wellbeing.”

“We have some incredibly effective LGBTI organisations – our community grants program will expand their capacity to support more people throughout Victoria.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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