That’s why Centacare Catholic Country SA Limited was one of 12 community organisations awarded an RAA Regional Safety Grant.

RAA awarded $50,000 worth of grants to organisations across regional South Australia, with $8,200 going towards Centacare’s Fields of Strength project.

Focussing on the Eyre Peninsula, Mid and Far North, the Fields of Strength project will work with key individuals and groups within each location to create and nurture suicide-safe conversations, networks and community responses.

In many rural communities, mental health is still a taboo topic. The Fields of Strength Project aims to shatter this view, upskilling people in the delivery of Applied Suicide Intervention Support and safeTALK.

According to Centacare, the project will link vulnerable people in drought-affected areas to appropriate support where previously they may have suffered in isolation.

RAA spokesperson, Amanda Trainor says the Regional Safety Grants provides much-needed support to small communities.

“It can be really difficult for small communities in country areas to raise money for important projects, which is why RAA’s Regional Safety Grants are so important,” Ms Trainor says.

“RAA is pleased to be able to provide $50,000 worth of grants to 12 worthy causes across the state this year, which all share a common goal of keeping South Australians safe.”

Other Regional Safety Grant recipients included 7 Country Fire Service brigades, Renmark West Primary School, Big Swamp Community Centre Incorporated and the Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club.