Metro’s Back on Track Community Grants support not-for-profit organisations across Melbourne doing important work to help improve people’s mental health.

Applications are now open for one of three funding categories – $5,000, $10,000 or $20,000.

With a total grant pool of $100,000 projects or initiatives must fall into one of the following focus areas:

• Wellness – preventative care to reduce the risk of poor mental impacts.
• Education – activities that inform and promote awareness of good mental health.
• Support services – assistance like counselling, psychiatric support or crisis care that directly supports people experiencing mental health challenges.

It could be a local sporting club, a school, a community centre or local health service – any not-for-profit, helping to improve people’s mental health.

Metro Trains CEO Raymond O’Flaherty says, “We know mental health continues to be an ongoing challenge for our community which is why Metro’s community grants program is supporting not-for-profit organisations implement some important initiatives.

“It’s wonderful to see the difference that these grants can make to communities right across Melbourne.”

Last year, Metro’s grants program helped community organisations including cohealth, Radio Lollipop at Monash Children’s Hospital and the Les Twentyman Foundation to implement important mental health initiatives.

Radio Lollipop’s Gregory Hall says, “The community grant that Radio Lollipop were fortunate enough to receive will go towards welcome packs for all the children coming into the hospital. We hope it helps to make their stay that little bit less scary.”

Over the past four years, Metro’s community grants program has provided $360,000 to community organisations.

Applications open on 7 March and close on 11 April 2023. To apply, go to www.metrotrains.com.au/community-grants Successful applicants will be announced in June.