Hedland mental health initiatives receive $100,000 funding boost

A Hedland-based mental health group will benefit from $100,000 in funding from the WA Primary Health Alliance to address mental health illnesses, support high-risk patients and develop awareness campaigns. Approved at last week’s council meeting, the funding — allocated to Hedland Community Wellbeing Action Group — will be used specifically for Aboriginal communities and men between the ages of 25 and 54 working in farming, fishing or FIFO industries. Of the total amount, $5000 has been set aside for the implementation costs and administration while the remaining $95,000 will be used directly to fund activities and awareness. The funding includes contributions to primary health caregivers in the identification of mental health illnesses, support for high-risk patients and their relatives, depression and anxiety awareness campaigns and community facilitators.