Community self-help organisations in Warrnambool will share in more than $164,000 in funding from the Brumby Government to help them with their important tasks, said the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP
Ms Tierney said that more than 170 community self help groups from around the State will benefit from the funding, including:
– $1305 for Heart Support – Australia for cardiovascular disease.
– $250 for the Warrnambool Cancer Support Self Help Group.
– $788 for the Warrnambool & District Diabetes Support Group.
– $1000 for the Warrnambool Arthritis Support Group.
– $1000 for the Breaking the chains HIV/Hep C Support & Education Group at Warrnambool.
“Many of these groups involve people with a chronic health condition or mental illness and their families, and the one-off grants are recognition of the key volunteer role they played in helping others” Ms Tierney said.
“People who are helping themselves and their families play an important role in the healthcare system, and often need a bit of support in their role,” she said.
“These health self-help groups are composed of and managed by people who share a common chronic health condition, either themselves or as part of their family.”
“They include groups to support people affected by specific illnesses and conditions, including arthritis, strokes, a range of different cancers, mental illness, diabetes and fibromyalgia, and others which provide support to family and friends of people with a range of illnesses.”
The grants are provided to the groups for general running expenses and minor equipment.
Minister for Health Daniel Andrews said local self-help groups were receiving $110,000 of the funds, and the other $54,000 was going to groups which provided support and services across the State.