Wednesday 6 December 2017

Hunter charities receive welcome funding

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Health and wellbeing projects carried out by Hunter charities are set to receive a welcome boost, with the nib foundation's announcement of this year's Community Grant Program recipients.

Amongst the 10 beneficiaries, six will conduct projects to improve the health of youths and carers within the Hunter region- Camp Quality; Family Planning NSW; Youth Off the Streets; Diabetes NSW; Waves of Wellness and the Australian Trust for Conservation Workers.

They'll share in $300,000 worth of funding, with grants ranging from $5000 to $50,000 being awarded by the foundation.

Executive Officer of the nib foundation, Amy Tribe, said it represents a continued commitment to improving local health services.

"This is our ninth annual Community Grant round," she said, "we've provided nearly $16 million in grant funding to more than 105 charity partners here in the Hunter and across Australia during that time."

Ms Tribe said nib foundation has recognised the need for better access to health services and education and programs which develop life-skills and social connectedness as a priority.

She believes the charities chosen are making a real difference in the lives of at-risk individuals.

"We'll be helping Camp Quality to train more volunteers, we'll be expanding the Waves of Wellness therapy programs for young people with mental health problems in the Port Stephens area, and our grants will also support Youth Off the Streets to continue their work with highly disadvantaged youths in the Kurri Kurri region."