Funding announced for youth wellbeing support program

The state government will fund a peer support program in Narrabri Shire to provide support to youth in the wake of natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is among a batch of projects announced as part of the Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery initiative.

The $100,000 project will support young people by imbedding a peer support officer, who will provide one-on-one support for young people struggling with their mental health, in the region.

NSW Nationals Upper House member Sam Farraway said the project will help young people in the community to bounce back stronger than ever following the pandemic and repeated disasters.

“For each child, support can include 15 hours individual support, 80 hours group support work, two-day workshops or weekly peer sessions,” he said.

“Projects like this play a vital role in increasing the resilience of our kids by providing them with the tools and resources they need to become the best version of themselves.”

Mr Farraway was recently in Narrabri to announce Youth Insearch Foundation’s success in securing funding. He was joined by Narrabri Shire mayor Ron Campbell for the announcement.

Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said the $10.3 million Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative offers large grants between $100,000 and $50,000 and small grants for up to $10,000.

“The large grants fund projects such as community events, peer support groups, cultural connection or partnership programs, while small grants are to enable initiatives like sporting programs and barbecues,” Mr Franklin said.

“Our Regional Youth Community Coordinators will help connect young people with the projects that best support their wellbeing and recovery and foster resilience and connection.”

The Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative is funded through the NSW COVID-19 Economic Recovery Initiative and the co-funded NSW and Australian governments’ Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.