Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes announced a new $1 million Mental Wellbeing Grant initiative to be shared across five of our agencies.
“Our emergency service workers and volunteers work hard every day to protect the community – that’s why we’re ensuring they’re able to look after their mental health so they can continue their critical work,” she said.
The initiative is part of the state government’s Emergency Responders Health Program which aims to strengthen mental wellbeing supports and projects for emergency workers and volunteers.
Life Saving Victoria (LSV) has received a grant of $200,000 to launch a cultural development initiative focused on inclusivity, respect, and psychological safety for volunteers and staff.
The project will include education and training across age groups, peer-support and enhanced mental health resources for our lifesavers.
Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue units will also benefit from a grant of $180,000 to develop a statewide Marine Search and Rescue mental health and wellbeing strategy. This long-term strategy will support the diverse organisations and volunteers who undertake this challenging and often traumatising work.
The grants will also fund projects to support first responders at Ambulance Victoria, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES).
