Boys to the Bush, which has hubs in Young and Leeton, will share in $4 million from the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Community Connection and Wellbeing Program to deliver a community wellbeing project.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the group will receive $74,200 to establish their ‘Shed Talks’ project, offering up to 500 disadvantaged regional youth and interested community members more opportunities to connect with their local community.
“Through events and activities that bring people together, we can kickstart and revive a better sense of connection and social wellbeing, which took such a hit during COVID-19,” Ms Cooke said.
“I’m confident this project will support our community by facilitating a sense of belonging, which research shows is strongly linked to improved mental health outcomes.”
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said research conducted by the NSW Mental Health Commissioner found that 4 out of 10 residents have experienced negative impacts to their life following the pandemic.
“The past few years have been incredibly isolating for many people across our state, and by creating more opportunities for connectedness across NSW communities will play an important role in mitigating this,” Mrs Taylor said.
These events and initiatives are designed to help communities heal and recover from the ripple effects of COVID-19 and build resilience. For more information visit: www.nsw.gov.au/resilience-nsw/covid-19-community-connection-and-wellbeing-program
