Island groups invited to apply for wellness grants

Service groups across Prince Edward Island can again apply for a Wellness Grant from the provincial government.

Applications by not-for-profit and non-government organizations, municipal communities, post-secondary institutions, home and school associations and community groups can be made at www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/ health-and-wellness/whatwellness-grant-program until June 30.

There were many successful projects awarded grants in 2016, including one which helped teach self-care tools to caregivers in West Prince and another which assisted Pride P.E.I. in starting a support program for LGBTQ+ youth in the areas of mental health, healthy eating, and tobacco and alcohol use.

“We each have a personal responsibility when it comes to our health, and this program taught our residents simple steps that they can take to improve the health and wellbeing of their families and themselves,” said Jessica Dorgan-Trail from Kids West Family Resource Centre.

She led the eight-week ‘Becoming Me: A Simple Journey to Self Care’ project intended to increase positive mental health and decrease risk for chronic disease.

“Through participation in the LGBTQ+ Youth Group, youth were able to obtain and provide peer support while engaging socially in an identity affirming space,” said co-ordinator Angela DesRoches, whose program also benefited from a 2016 Wellness Grant.

“The impact of the project extended beyond just the youth who participated; families and schools also reached out to us for additional information and support.”

The Department of Health and Wellness has funded more than 40 wellness grant projects over the last two years.