November 2023

Relationships Australia Tasmania and Healthy Tasmania: Tasmanian Government Plan have joined forces again this year to launch the 2024 Neighbours Every Day community grants.

This initiative invites Tasmanian communities to apply for grants of up to $1250 to support neighbourly activities that increase social connections and minimise loneliness within their communities.

Neighbours Every Day is a year-round campaign that encourages communities to build respectful, sustainable relationships and to reduce loneliness.

The National Day of Action for this campaign will be held on Sunday, March 31, 2024 – Neighbour Day.

“With 1 in 5 Australians experiencing loneliness it is important that we understand the benefits of positive interactions with our neighbours,” Dr Michael Kelly, RA Tas CEO, said.

“The neighbourly activities the grants support are endless. This year we have seen a wide range of grantees host community barbeques, tea parties, bake sales, clothes swap, gardening days, share stations, picnics, street libraries and much more.”

Leah Brightman from the Bucaan Community House said its Neighbours Every Day grant contributed to the creation of their Bush Tucker Garden within the Chigwell Community Garden.

“This part of our community garden gives us a way to share with and connect our community to country through learning about bush tucker,” Ms Brightman said.

“It provides another way for us all to connect, it is part of being inclusive. It was also a great chance to celebrate with our community through our community garden.”

Dr Kelly said the Neighbours Every Day campaign reflects a country where individuals, businesses, organisations and communities all recognize the importance of creating belonging.

“We believe that Neighbour Day 2024 will see a range of street parties, community barbeques and other events that mark the efforts of these passionate individuals.

“But large-scale events are only one part of the Neighbours Every Day campaign.

“Neighbours Every Day serves as a reminder that we can all take small, regular actions to connect with those around us. Research conducted by the Australian National University shows just how important those connections are.

“Communities where people feel a sense of belonging are more resilient, and their members enjoy a greater sense of mental wellbeing and reductions in loneliness – even during the tough times.”

Applications for grants are open and close on January 17, 2023. For more information on the grants and how to apply visit: https://tas.relationships.org.au/neighbours-every-day-and-healthy-tasmania-community-grants/

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Media Contact: A.Mark Thomas, M&M Communications, 0422 006 732

About Relationships Australia Tasmania

At Relationships Australia Tasmania we provide families, couples, individuals, older people, children and communities with tools and strategies, so that they have healthy, positive lives. We help more than 8000 Tasmanians every year to transform and change their lives through counselling, mediation, dispute resolution, support and training.

Our focus is on:

• healthy relationships, conflict resolution, parenting, cultural issues and mental health
• We offer people the services and support they need, when they need it to assist them when life presents challenges.
• Services are available to all people regardless of cultural background, family structure, economic situation, religious beliefs, gender or sexual orientation.

More information about the services and support we offer can be found on our website www.tas.relationships.com.au