The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to support better outcomes for people with disability, with an investment of $360,000 for a new project to build the skills and social connections of people with disability on the North Coast of New South Wales.
Local organisation Agape Outreach will receive a grant for their Increasing Inclusion and Resilience project, which will support people with disability and mental health issues to strengthen their social connection, improve their sense of belonging, and build their life and job skills.
Assistant Minister for Social Services and for the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, today met with the Agape team in Tweed.
“Agape Outreach truly know the community here on the North Coast, and do incredible work to assist our most vulnerable, including through their job readiness training and one-on-one mental health sessions,” Assistant Minister Elliot said.
“I’m proud our Government is committed to ensuring that everyone can feel supported and connected in their community.”
Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth said this funding would provide crucial support for people with disability and mental health issues to foster greater connections.
“I am delighted that the Albanese Labor Government is supporting Agape Outreach and the amazing community-driven work they do to target social isolation and build work and employment skills among target cohorts,” Minister Rishworth said.
“Between its mental health supports, skill building sessions and workshops, their work will help reduce social isolation, boost a sense of belonging and ensure participants are well equipped to contribute to the community life of the Tweed Shire region.”
“Our Strong and Resilient Communities grants recognise the importance of supporting community organisations like Agape Outreach that understand their target cohort better than anyone, to deliver projects that can have a real, lasting impact and create a community of inclusion.”
Agape Outreach joins seven other projects funded under the supplementary round of SARC – IC, which brings the Albanese Labor Government’s total investment in SARC projects that improve the social and economic participation of vulnerable people to around $47.5 million.
More information about SARC grants is available on the Department of Social Services website.