A fourth round of funding for local mental wellbeing initiatives is set to give Southern Lakes communities a boost for the summer season.

Applications open today (Monday October 31) for the Connecting Communities fund, which supports community-led activities that encourage people to connect, look after themselves and each other, and have some fun.

Eligible not-for-profit organisations and groups can apply for up to $1,000 (GST inclusive) from Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group to assist with funding their activity or event.

Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group chair Adell Cox said her team continues to be inspired by the creative ideas being put forward and the collaboration growing between groups.

 "We’re thrilled to see more groups working together and developing successful one-off activities into longer term programmes which will provide ongoing community benefits,” she said.

“Each round of funding applications gives us more insight into what’s going on for our different communities.”

The last round supported events and activities including KUMA Business Network’s Wellness and Whanaungatanga Hui; Social Workers in Schools resources; and Community Sing events.

Broadly, the application criteria includes positively engaging with the local community; supporting mental wellbeing; aligning with one or more of the Mental Health Foundation’s Five Ways to Wellbeing and Te Whare Tapa Wha; and being locally delivered in Cromwell, Queenstown, Wānaka, or Te Anau/Fiordland.

Find more information about the Connecting Communities funding round, including the criteria and how to apply, here.

The Connecting Communities fund is part of a $3M government fund and the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE)’s Tourism Communities: Support, Recovery and Re-set Plan.