Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey. Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii
The government has announced a boost to local mental health initiatives with the launching of a new scheme.
The New Top Up Community Grants - in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand - will see $250,000 per annum made available for distribution over the next two years.
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey revealed the there will also be grant amounts between $10,000 and $40,000 per initiative.
"The government has partnered with the Mental Health Foundation to establish Top Up Community Grants," he said.
"These small grants are designed to help grassroots community organisations deliver events, activities, and projects that bring the theme of Top Up to life in their local communities."
Doocey said communities know what works best for them and by backing local initiatives, the fund will support meaningful, community-led action, from small towns to neighbourhoods in the biggest cities.
It's especially meaningful to launch these grants at the Mental Health Foundation, an organisation that has led the way in breaking down stigma and supporting better mental health across the country, he said.
Doocey said the grants come following advice from the mental health sector, which emphasised the importance of community led activities.
"The Mental Health Awareness Week theme this year is Top Up Together, which is exactly what these grants are about," he said.
"Good mental health doesn't happen by accident - it comes from the small, everyday actions we take to recharge, connect, and look after ourselves and those around us."
He said the campaign and launch of the new grants are part of the government's mental health plan for faster access to support more frontline workers and a better crisis response.
Whether it's you, your child, a friend, or a family member reaching out for support, this government is committed to ensuring support is there, he said.
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