The Montrose Scout Group received a grant as part of Australia Post’s People of the Post Program, with the funding to go towards youth mental first aid training for its scout leaders.
Group Leader Tim Whitehead said the grant will help support scout members as they adjust to changes in their life.
“It gives us a really great opportunity to be able to support those young people in a space that they would want to confide in, providing that extra support,” Mr Whitehead said.
The scout group, which began at the end of 2023 has recruited over 50 members since its inception.
Providing a safe haven for scouts from Prep, all the way up into the transition of high school.
“We have seen massive growth across our joeys, cubs and scouts,” Mr Whitehead said.
“Our scout section only launched at the start of this year, they’ve already got eight kids and three leaders involved, which is absolutely amazing.”
The grant was made possible by Australia Post’s People of the Post Program, in which someone from the community nominates a good cause, in this case, it was the Montrose Scout Group.
“To have that funding from Australia Post makes our leaders better at their job, but also keeps our programs as thoughtful as possible,” said Mr Whitehead.
The grant will cover the $200 cost per head for the training, to ensure the support of young scouts.
“We don’t need to budget an extra $200 for every adult we bring on into the costs that we pass on to the family,” said Mr Whitehead.
Mr Whitehead said that their key selling points for receiving the grant was the focus on young people and their struggle with mental health, all while fostering a diverse community.
“Being able to have that really huge cross section of the community all in one room, and to have those conversations and leaders supporting them. It means that it’s a really diverse impact that the grant is giving,” said Mr Whitehead.
Mr Whitehead hopes the grant will give the tools necessary to have conversations around mental health and build up support systems outside of the Scouts.
“Our biggest thing is giving young kids the tools and skills to be successful leaders in life, and being able to support their own mental health and even support the mental health of their friends and peers is a really important skill.”
The grant comes from Australia Posts People of the Post Program where they offer funding to local communities to combat any financial pressures they may face.
The program has offered $400,000 in grants towards grassroots community and not-for-profit groups around Australia.
Which means for groups like the Scouts in Montrose, it can foster a better support system for young kids.
“It’s been clear for us, the uptake from the local kids, but also people coming from a bit further away just because of the program we’re providing is really encouraging…. We’re really lucky to be in such an amazing community.”
