BY GABRIELLA HOLLO
Bayside City Council has granted 35 local groups up to $7500 to assist projects that aim to increase community engagement and social connectivity.
As part of its Annual Community Grants scheme, the council provides financial assistance to eligible not-for-profit organisations whose initiatives seek to address a broad range of civic affairs and needs.
Bayside Council’s announcement follow its August Council Meeting, where groups were evaluated and selected based on a set of criteria.
Social Health Australia, a successfully selected group, received the full $7500 for its project, ‘Building Connections from Conversations’.
It is a program that facilitates open conversations to strengthen relationships between members of its community.
Social Health Executive Director Joe Sehee said the grant will help the group’s project expand its resources and reach.
“Our goal is to create a safe place for people to get together, and talk about topics causing people angst; such as COVID-19, ecological or economical issues,” Mr Sehee said.
“This grant will allow us to provide skills training, companion training, and help show people things they can do to look after themselves,” he said.
Highett Neighbourhood Community House and Hampton Community Centre, which are under the same management, also received $7500 grants each for their initiatives.
Highett Neighbourhood Community House’s program, ‘Nourish the Neighbourhood’, organises monthly evening activities to build connections and minimise social isolation.
Hampton Community Centre provides art, music and physical activities to gather community members through its ‘Nourish Across the Ages’ project.
Manager of the two groups Melanie Tighe said the grant will assist in devoting more resources to the respective programs.
“These two community groups provide a whole series of free activities to provide community connections and allow people to feel supported and connected,” Ms Tighe said.
“The grants given to us will allow our projects to be expanded as much as possible, as inclusive as possible, and be available in various locations.”
Bayside City Council Mayor Laurence Evans said this year’s grants are most needed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has “been pretty tough for these organisations”.
“These grants reflect a diverse group and interest, for a very diverse community,” Cr Evans said.
“Particularly as we navigate ourselves through COVID-19, these grants really give residents the chance to learn new skills, build communities and share experiences,” he said.
“In this time especially, recognising mental health and social connections is more important than ever.”
Grant recipients will be invited to get together and celebrate their success, when restrictions ease, with the Bayside City Council and other successful community groups.