Helping themselves

SELF-help groups can apply for grants to be used for a range of purposes, including producing newsletters, brochures, postage and venue hire.
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato said the 2009-10 Health Self Health Program assisted people with a health condition to continue to live independently in the community.
To be eligible for funding, groups must be supporting people living with a chronic health condition and be non-profit organisations with an ongoing membership. Statewide, regional and local groups are all able to apply.
Successful recipients in last year’s program included the Pakenham Arthritis Self Help Group and Glen’s Goldies, also a group for arthritis sufferers which is based in Launching Place.
The closing date for applications is 21 August 2009
Funding guidelines, including application forms and additional information, are available from the Department of Human Services website at www.health.vic.gov.au/communityhealth/self_help.htm . For more information call Ms Lobato’s office on 9796 1987.