There can never be to much support for mental health and a local non-profit that tackles youth mental wellness, has just received a boost with a $10,000 grant from the Future2 Foundation.
Human Nature Adventure Therapy, an innovative Northern Rivers-based non-profit combining professional mental health support with time in nature for at-risk young people, has received $10,000 through the Future2 Foundation Make the Difference! Grants program.
The donation will support Human Nature’s Recre8 program, providing opportunities for young people aged 14 – 19 across the region to participate in the program regardless of their financial situation.
The Future2 Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA), supporting Australians aged 12 – 25 years old experiencing social, financial or physical hardship.
Future2 Chair Petra Churcher said total of 20 charity organisations across Australia were awarded grants this year, each endorsed by local FPA members who commit their time and energy to help make a meaningful difference in their communities.
Life-changing mental health programs
Human Nature was nominated for the Future2 grant program by Shane Hayes, FPA Far North Coast NSW Chapter Chair and founder of Family Aged Care Advocates, a local aged care advocacy business specialising in helping people and their families navigate the aged care journey. ‘When I first learned about the life-changing mental health programs Human Nature provides for young people in our region, I didn’t hesitate to nominate them for the Future2 grant,’ said Mr Hayes.
‘I was actually blown away to find this incredible organisation doing such important work right in our backyard, yet so many people haven’t heard of them. That’s something I hope we can help to change with this grant from Future2, along with providing much needed financial support to run the programs.’
Human Nature’s Founder and Program Manager Andy Hamilton gratefully accepted the Future2 grant cheque. ‘Each year we receive countless calls and enquiries about getting young people who are really struggling into our programs.
‘Thanks to Future2, we now have funds available to support our Recre8 programs that provide 200+ hours of therapeutic support for each young person. This can be a total game changer for a young person who is really struggling with their mental health, helping them re-engage and re-connect with their education, communities, nature, and with positive goals for the future.’
Mr Hamilton said Human Nature doesn’t receive Government funding. ‘We’re only able to offer this transformational experience for young people thanks to the generosity of donors like the Future2 Foundation.’
Human Nature Adventure Therapy was established in 2015 with the mission of transforming trauma and disadvantage into healing and growth for young people through innovative nature-based therapy programs.
To learn more about their work visit www.humannature.org.au.
Since 2007, Future2 has contributed $1,195,066 to benefit young people across Australia. Grant applications for 2019/20 will open mid-year. For more information visit future2foundation.
