$1 million to support mental health and wellbeing in Whyalla
Whyalla – Surviving to Thriving is a new project to help people in Whyalla feel well, stay connected and get practical support when life is hard. The South Australian Government has set aside $1 million for this work. The project will start by helping workers and small business owners, and then grow to include families across Whyalla.
What is the project?
Whyalla – Surviving to Thriving is a community-led and flexible project. This means local people and services will help design what support looks like. The aim is to create benefits that last beyond the life of the project.
Who is leading it?
Centacare Catholic Country SA will lead the project with local partners and Thriving Communities (a group of 50+ non-government organisations supported by the University of Adelaide).
Centacare already works closely with the Whyalla community. They offer services like financial wellbeing, homelessness support, domestic and family violence services, family support and community connection activities. This experience means Centacare can bring services together to give wrap-around help that suits each person.
Who will benefit?
- People working in Whyalla
- Small business owners and their staff
- Families living in Whyalla (as the project expands)
What help could look like
Supports will be designed with local people. They may include:
- Someone to talk to about mental health and stress
- Help to connect with the right service at the right time
- Practical support that reduces money or housing pressures
- Activities that build community connection and reduce loneliness
- Early help for families before problems grow
- Outreach to workplaces and small businesses
Working with the community
The project will run community engagement and consultation over the longer term. This will:
- Listen to local people about what is needed
- Share those needs with State, Local and Commonwealth governments and other funders
- Help set up collaborative, representative local structures so funding goes where it is needed most and achieves the best outcomes
A long-term impact
By bringing services together and listening to community voices, Whyalla – Surviving to Thriving aims to build a stronger, more connected Whyalla that supports good mental health now and into the future.
More information about how to access support will be shared as the project begins in Whyalla.