RichmondPRA said the package was available as the next phase of the New England Partners in Recovery  (PIR) program, an Australian government initiative being delivered by local mental health services and overseen by Richmond.

It has invited some 50 local organisations to apply for grants worth between $6000 and $40,000 with not-for-profit accommodation and job providers and health and education organisations eligible. 

The funding milestone follows the launch of the local three-year PIR initiative in Tamworth in July 2013. 

“The grants will make an enormous difference to people with a mental health issue as they approach and use the services of a range of local organisations,” RichmondPRA chief executive officer Pam Rutledge said. 

“This is all about encouraging organisations to come up with coordinated and innovative ways of improving services for some of the most vulnerable and marginalised people in the community.” 

RichmondPRA New England cluster manager Jim Booth said the success of the local Partners in Recovery initiative so far meant demand for the grants would be strong. 

“Partners in Recovery is unique because it brings many organisations together to work in a different way so that people with a mental health issue don’t fall through the cracks,” Mr Booth said. 

“In the past people looking for help often felt lost and gave up on their recovery journeys. 

“Partners in Recovery ensures that organisations offering help work collaboratively and offer tailor-made solutions for individuals.