Grants of up to $500,000 target mental injury return-to-work barriers
20 Mar 2025•BlueSafe Team•Source: WorkSafe VIC
Return to Work Victoria is offering grants of up to $500,000 for initiatives supporting early intervention for mental injuries. The initial funding round targets the 10 industries with the highest mental injury rates.
The grants form part of Return to Work Victoria’s Innovations program, following a $50 million investment to tackle difficult return-to-work barriers and help injured workers resume work sooner.
The source data shows that 40 per cent of workers with mental injury claims return to work within the first six months, compared with 73 per cent of those with physical injuries. Returning to work can support mental wellbeing, financial independence and self-esteem.
Funding is available for new initiatives and programs focused on early intervention during the first 26 weeks after a mental injury claim is submitted.
Return to Work Victoria Executive Director Jason Lardelli said collaboration was needed to draw on knowledge and insights that could help injured workers return to the workforce and their normal lives sooner.
"To help drive the improvements we need for injured workers, we need to bring new thinking, new ideas and new solutions to the table," Mr Lardelli said. "We know that we can't do this alone."
"Injured workers deserve a positive and speedy recovery, which is not only beneficial for the worker, but also for the people they love, their community, our business and workplaces."
Employers, self-insurers, unions and industry groups are encouraged to apply. Online applications close on Monday 28 April 2025, with eligibility criteria and funding exclusions applying.
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