Hunter projects benefit from Newcastle Permanent grant funding

FIVE Hunter projects are set to benefit from a share in almost $750,000 as part of Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation’s latest funding round, which will deliver vital funding to initiatives across regional NSW.

Prelude Australia, Home Start National, The Men’s Table, Aruma and Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Suicide Prevention Network will all receive funding to deliver programs that will improve the health and wellbeing of diverse Hunter cohorts, through projects that support mental health, nutrition and early-intervention allied health care.

Aruma received $25,000 towards its Calm Cove Project, which will result in the production of five, ready-to-use “quiet retreat” kits for deployment at community events.

The retreats are designed to be inviting and inclusive to the whole community and offer a quiet, dimly lit, comfortable and calming space to de-arouse and regain a sense of equilibrium.

Home Start National received $74,000 for its Friendship on a Plate pilot project, which brings parents together to improve cooking skills and promote good nutrition for their children and families over a 12-month period.

Led by a qualified nutritionist, parents will learn hands-on cooking techniques with affordable, fresh and pantry-friendly ingredients.

Prelude Australia received $87,000 towards its Inclusive Futures project.

Prelude will connect Hunter-based early childhood educators with allied health workers, early intervention teachers and other experts, to build their skills, confidence to discuss possible early-interventions with parents, and develop strategies for better classroom outcomes.

This model is expected to reduce classroom exclusions and educator burnout, and greater educational outcomes for all children, and especially those with additional needs.

The Men’s Table (TMT) takes a peer-led, placed-based approach to combatting social isolation and mental health challenges faced by men.

Their structured and supported method brings men together to share a meal, and their experiences, build social connections, and provide genuine support.

TMT received $82,500 for its At The Table: Supporting Social & Mental Health for Men project, which will recruit and train community hosts before launching three new ‘tables’ in Muswellbrook, Cessnock, and Port Macquarie; regional areas where mental health service gaps and instances of domestic violence are especially pronounced.

Over 12 months, TMT expects to attract 48 men in these areas who will both benefit from and build the tables in their regions, seizing the opportunity to influence culture and encourage help-seeking amongst men to help create lasting, positive change throughout their communities.

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation spokesperson Paul Juergens said these recipients are uniquely tied in their mission to improve the local community.

“It’s wonderful to see such amazing work happening in the Hunter and we feel privileged to support these groups on their mission to improve wellbeing across the region,” Mr Juergens said.

“While each of the projects is unique from one another, something they each have in common is the sense of belonging, empowerment and support that they are creating in our community – it’s incredibly moving.”

Prelude Australia Service Manager Sheridan Morton said the funding represents a significant step toward building inclusive, supportive learning environments for children and educators.

“This investment provides an opportunity to build strong partnerships between educators, allied health professionals and specialised early childhood teachers, ensuring that educators are confident and equipped to support children with additional or diverse needs,” Ms Morton said.

“By building the knowledge and confidence in educators, we increase their capacity not only to create inclusive environments today, but for future generations, creating long lasting change.

“This grant will help us create a future where all children have the opportunity to be included, to feel a sense of belonging, and to thrive alongside their friends.”

Since its establishment in 2003, Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has provided $27 million in grants throughout regional NSW.