More people in Victoria’s south-west living with a chronic illness will get support from their local peer-led support groups thanks to an Andrews Labor Government funding boost.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today announced local support groups were among 69 to share in more than $313,000 of grants through the Health Condition Support Grants Program over two years.
The Andrews Labor Government is improving the health and wellbeing of all Victorians, no matter where they live.
Not-for-profit, peer-led support groups help people better manage a chronic health condition.
In these groups, people with chronic diseases, their families and carers can meet, share their experience with peers with the same illness and learn first-hand how to best manage the condition and enjoy a better quality of life.
Recipients include:
- Colac & District Parkinsons Support Group – $2200
- South C Dragons – $1345.30
The grants will assist these peer-led support groups with administrative and operational costs over a two-year period.
This means peer-led support groups can continue to support people to better manage their disease, to learn more about it, to make better decisions about their care and to help them to live well.
Half of all Victorian adults report having at least one chronic disease, and one in five has two or more chronic diseases.
Quotes attributable to Member for Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“Chronic illness can be a lonely, frustrating and distressing time for sufferers – Peer-led support groups can make a real difference for local people learning to cope after being diagnosed with a chronic illness”
“It’s a great chance to make friends, talk and share experiences with peers who are enjoying full and independent lives while living with a chronic illness.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos
“These grants for local organisations will support their invaluable work improving the lives of Victorians with a chronic health condition.”