Grants a $1.6 million boost for health and wellbeing of Queensland kids
Queenslanders with exciting ideas to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people can apply for a share of $1.6 million in funding to bring their projects to life.
The Honourable Yvette D’Ath MP, Minister for Health and Ambulance Service has today launched the Health and Wellbeing Queensland Grants Program, which aims to generate impactful, innovative and science-backed ideas to help Queenslanders get healthy.
“We are calling for innovative ideas that will drive generational change and empower young Queenslanders to live healthier and more active lives,” Ms D’Ath said.
“Two-thirds of adults and one in four children are living with overweight or obesity in our state, which impacts on individuals and families and costs the Queensland health system an estimated $756 million per year.
“To help turn this around, the Queensland Government, through Health and Wellbeing Queensland, will roll out grants for community-based projects and research, focused on nutrition, physical activity, sleep, health equity and wellbeing.
“These funding opportunities reinforce the Queensland Government’s commitment to giving families across the state the best chance at a healthy future.”
Four grant schemes will be available under the funding program, with the first two grant schemes open for applications from today:
Health and Wellbeing Queensland Chief Executive, Dr Robyn Littlewood said the grants were an investment in the future of Queensland’s people and health system.
“Getting in early and supporting children and families to get healthy in their communities is critical,” Dr Littlewood said.
“90% of children living with overweight or obese, will carry this through into adulthood.
“Being above a healthy weight raises the risk of a range of chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and cancers, and takes a toll on mental health and wellbeing.
“We need bold new ideas to protect the health of Queensland’s next generation. These grants will help make healthy happen faster for our state by driving innovation across key areas that have a huge impact on our health and wellbeing and most importantly by supporting communities bring the ideas to life that will be most beneficial – because they know their own communities better than anyone.”
Applications for the Community Grants and Impact Grants are now open and will close on 22 March 2023.
For more information about the grants and how to apply, visit hw.qld.gov.au/grants.
Further funding rounds under the Health and Wellbeing Grants Program will open in 2023.
Media contact: Clare Murray, Communications and Engagement Manager, Health and Wellbeing Queensland, 0439 480 610
