Eleven organisations will share in over $102,000 for projects that will foster community connection and improve mental health for LGBTIQA+ young people, in the twelfth round of Healthy Equal Youth (HEY) Grants delivered in partnership by Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) and the Victorian Government.
“The HEY Grants make a real difference to the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ young people across Victoria,” says YACVic Rural Manager Derm Ryan.
“YACVic are proud to work alongside the Victorian Government in delivering this Australian first-of-its-kind program, which empowers and celebrates all aspects of LGBTIQA+ identities.”
One of this year’s grant recipients is Nick McEwan-Hall for The Mental Health Coach, which will deliver free, evidence-based mental health first aid to LGBTIQA+ young people to know how to support their peers experiencing mental health challenges.
“It’s equipping them to have the tools and knowledge to have a supportive conversation, and to feel confident doing it,” says Mr McEwan-Hall.
“And the results are clear: these conversations save lives and help people feel more supported and connected.”
HEY Grants will be officially launched at HEY Day on Monday 20 March at the Victorian Pride Centre in St Kilda. HEY Day is an annual event for young people, workers in youth and/or LGBTIQA+ services, and government to connect, participate in interactive sessions about emerging issues for LGBTIQA+ young people, and learn about the exciting new HEY projects.
The full list of Round 12 HEY Grant Recipients includes:
- EACH Social and Community Health (Yarra Ranges) - Rural Rainbows peer-led support groups.
- More Than Melanin – issue three of the literary zine for and by POC and Bla(c)k women and LGBTIQA+ young people.
- Dandenong Youth Services - #Proud2BE community education campaign to support culturally diverse LGBTIQA+ young people.
- We Eatin’ Good – QTBIPoC cooking show exploring culture, queerness and identity through food.
- Relationships Australia Victoria - events for LGBTIQA+ young people and their families in Wonthaggi and Bass Coast Shire Council.
- Brotherhood of St Laurence – LGBTIQA+ peer network for 16 to 24-year-olds experiencing homelessness in Broadmeadows, Glen Waverley and Shepparton.
- The Mental Health Coach – free health support workshops for LGBTIQA+ young people.
- headspace Narre Warren – school holiday programs for local LGBTIQA+ young people.
- Rainbow Alliance Stawell – peer support group for local LGBTIQA+ people aged 12-19.
- Macedon Ranges Shire Council – Project Pride dance event for local LGBTIQA+ young people and large-scale video installation.
- Junction Skate, The Y – Junction Skate and BMX Park opportunities for LGBTIQA+ young people.
Over the last 13 years, YACVic have administered the HEY Grants in partnership with the Victorian Government, delivering more than $1.5 million of funding to 130 organisations.
Attend 2023 HEY Day:
- Victorian Pride Centre, 79/81 Fitzroy St, St Kilda VIC 3182
- Monday 20 March, 9:45am – 4 pm
- Register now
Media Contact: Katia Pellicciotta (she/her), YACVic Media & Communications Coordinator – KPellicciotta@YACVic.org.au or 9267 3744.
About Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic)
Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) is the peak body and leading policy advocate for young people aged 12-25 and the youth sector in Victoria. Established in 1960, YACVic advocates for the rights of young people in Victoria to ensure they are active, visible and valued in their communities.