Richmond Valley Volunteer Health Transport are a group of volunteers who assist patients travelling between medical appointments.
They are often supporting people who are experiencing mental health issues and are sometimes in crisis.
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan today announced $5,000 for the volunteers to undertake mental health first aid training.
“Volunteers are central to so many local organisations and provide important services in our community,” Mr Hogan said.
“The mental and emotional support these volunteers provide is sometimes more important than the transport service itself.”
“It is important to support the efforts of these organisations and the individuals that allow them to function.”
Richmond Valley Volunteer Health Transport Coordinator Jodi Morris welcomed the funding and said it is helpful for staff and the clients.
“This training means our staff will be even better equipped to support them and their families through treatment processes,” she said.
“It will be great for the staff themselves as well, the bond that we build means our staff can empathise with the clients through their medical procedures.”
