The Andrews Labor Government has extended funding for vital projects aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer young people.

Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley today announced eight organisations will share in more than $500,000 to keep their programs going, as part of the latest round of Healthy Equal Youth (HEY) grants.

The HEY Project and HEY grants aim to raise awareness, promote diversity, eliminate stigma and discrimination, and improve the overall mental health of young LGBTIQ people.

The grants program is coordinated by Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) and to date has supported more than 79 organisations improving the mental health and wellbeing of young LGBTIQ Victorians.

Six of the eight organisations to have their funding extended are in regional locations and include Parents of Gender Diverse Children.

The $504,250 in extended funding will allow for more resources, information and support for local LGBTIQ young people and establish strategies to engage and develop youth leadership.

Other recipients include Uniting Shepparton (Diversity), Gateway Health (WayOut), Minus 18, Latrobe Community Health Services (headspace Morwell), Gippsland Lakes Community Health, Ballarat Community Health (Zaque), and Brophy Family and Youth Services (YUMCHA).

The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health Services interim report found that LGBTIQ Victorians experience disproportionate rates of mental illness and suicide compared with the wider Victorian community and this funding will help services deliver the tailored support needed to save lives.

The Victorian Government will implement all recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

For more information on the grants visit yacvic.org.au/get-involved/hey-grants.