Smart funding for wellbeing

Emerge is one of 15 organisations especially chosen by StreetSmart to receive funding to be spent on the mental and physical wellbeing of staff.

The SmartCare program has deliberately focused on frontline essential works who have worked relentlessly to keep vulnerable people safe.

“The SmartCare funding is welcomed because we know how much the pandemic has affected our own staff who have concentrated on keeping services going and supporting mothers and their children often without thinking about themselves,” Paula said.

Emerge is one of 15 organisations to receive the funding which will impact an estimated 540 staff.

According to StreetSmart, of the 15 organisations they have supported only one had ever received funding for staff wellbeing initiatives, yet recent research has shown that a third of people (35 per cent) interviewed at community service sector organisations, said they felt overwhelmed and admitted they were not taking as good care of themselves as they did pre-pandemic. Over 300,000 have been on JobKeeper, and the future for the sector is generally uncertain.

Paula said that this type of targeted support for front line staff is essential as there is little to no funding for self-care for workers.

“I think this is an amazing opportunity that StreetSmart is offering and the only staff wellbeing grant that I am aware of.  Thanks StreetSmart what a fantastic, innovative idea.”