WARRINGAH GRIEF AND LOSS PROGRAM WILL CONTINUE

The Commonwealth Government today announced funding of $60,000 over three years to support a local Warringah community-based grief and loss program. The Government is pleased to support the Northern Beaches Grief and Loss Program. This is a community-based program which provides counselling, a support network and an eight-week program to help people understand grief and cope with loss. The program has been running for three years and has helped more than 100 people. It is an important initiative that gives practical support to people who have experienced grief and loss, and makes a real difference in empowering them through their emotional journey. This additional funding will help more than 120 people over the next three years. Grief is a normal part of life experience. However, recovering from grief and loss is easier when you have a support system. The Northern Beaches Grief and Loss Program was previously operated by the community organisation, the Northern Beaches Community Service Inc, and funded for two years by the Manly Warringah Leagues Club. There is strong community support for the program. Funding for the Northern Beaches Grief and Loss Program – $20,000 a year for three years – is being provided under the National Mental Health Program. The Government is strongly committed to mental health, having made the largest-ever commitment to the mental health sector with more than $1.9 billion invested over five years from 2006. Media contact: Claire Kimball, 0413 486 926