Media release – Guy Barnett, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, 3 August 2024
Therapeutic Farming Small Grants Program – Announcement of Successful Projects
Recipients of the Therapeutic Farming Small Grants Program have been announced today.
This Program aims to test the ability of therapeutic farming as an early intervention and prevention initiative in the context of the Tasmanian mental health system.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett, said that the Grants Program is a commitment under the Tasmanian Government’s significant $410 million mental health reform agenda.
“We want Tasmanians to be able to access innovative and diverse mental health services, because we know mental health treatment isn’t a one size fits all approach,” Minister Barnett said.
“Today I am pleased to announce that four organisations around the state will receive grants of $20,000 to run therapeutic farming pilot programs, with an additional $5,000 for a robust evaluation process.
“Live Well Tasmania in the north west will establish partnerships with local service providers and researchers and identify participants from local mental health services who will then engage with various horticulture and forestry practices on the community farm.
“The Northern Suburbs Community Centre in the north will engage TasTAFE students in a therapeutic farming program through their community garden, with access to mental health workers and embedding self-care practices.
“The Hobart Clinic in the south will provide farming activities to inpatients and day patients who access the Hobart Clinic’s services.
“The West Winds Community Centre in the south will partner with the Five Bob Farm to integrate therapeutic farming practices into existing mental health programs at the centre.
“I look forward to seeing the outcomes of these pilot programs as we continue to deliver our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.”
Robin Krabbe, Project Coordinator for Live Well Tasmania, said the organisation are very excited to have received a grant for their therapeutic farming project.
“We think this is a great opportunity to build capacity within the mental health system using an innovative and effective way to improve mental health, and to build partnerships based on a common vision of better mental health for all,” Ms Krabbe said.
Applications open for $250,000 GP grants
The Tasmanian Government is ensuring GP clinics can continue to operate and provide the care Tasmanians need with grants of up to $250,000 now open for eligible practices.
From today, applications are now open for multi-year funding of up to $250,000 per year to support the viability of eligible GP practices in regional, rural and outer-urban parts of Tasmania.
The General Practice Sustainability and Viability Initiative is an important part of the nation-leading GP Guarantee we took to the election, and will allow eligible GPs to enhance their current services, to the benefit of all Tasmanians.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett said GPs are important pillars of rural and regional communities.
“Our Government understands the importance of people being able to access primary health care in their own community, which is a key part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future,” Minister Barnett said.
“GPs and their practices are part of the very fabric of communities right across the State, and we are doing what we can to support them and ensure their ongoing viability.
“This important initiative will support GPs in Tasmania’s rural, regional and outer-urban areas to enhance their models of care and improve ongoing access to services amongst the community.
“While the Federal Labor Government continues to neglect their responsibility for this important sector, we are stepping in where we can to ensure our GP practices are supported and sustainable for the long-term.
“I encourage eligible GP practices around the State to apply for these grants to strengthen their existing services, and I look forward to seeing the benefits for all Tasmanians.”
Projects that will be considered for funding include developing innovative models of care such as the use of nurse practitioners, expanding practices with capital upgrades, professional development and training for staff and provision of outreach services for those in need.
Applications are open from today (3 August 2024) until 8 September 2024.
Further information can be found at https://www.health.tas.gov.au/
The Tasmanian Government’s GP Guarantee also includes:
- The GP Incentive Package which includes a $100,000 settlement allowance for GPs to practice in rural and regional areas of the State; and
- A new GP NOW Rapid Response Team of 10 GPs ready to provide support across Tasmania.
