Health
Black Dog Institute
The Black Dog Institute (BDI) is a not-for-profit educational, research and clinical facility offering specialist expertise in the areas of mental health that includes depression, mood and bipolar disorder. The Institute is attached to the Prince of Wales Hospital and affiliated with the University of New South Wales.
In 2011, The Qantas Foundation has partnered with the Institute to support the expansion of their REACH (Responsibility, Education, Acceptance, Connection, Hope) Program. The program is a nine week psycho-educational support group model for people with depression and/or bipolar disorder, based on the REACH principles. Launched in 2009, the program teaches participants strategies to manage their illness, navigate relapse and foster wellbeing. The content of the program draws on the unique strengths of the institute, bringing together the latest research in mood disorders and positive psychology and is delivered in a way that is engaging and personal. The Foundation's funding will enable BDI to roll-out the program to locations outside of New South Wales and recruit and train 25 volunteer facilitators to deliver the program.
Redkite
Redkite is a not-for-profit charitable organisation that has been providing vital services to children and young people with cancer and their families since 1983. Redkite is recognised as the only national organisation which provides support throughout the entire cancer journey of a patient, from the moment of diagnosis, through to the intensive hospital treatment, post hospital recovery and beyond.
Every year approximately 1750 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer in Australia, with approximately 60% aged between 15-24. A majority of cancer patients in this age group will be treated in adult hospitals and will not receive age appropriate care or receive referrals to support organisations (such as Redkite etc).
In 2012, the Qantas Foundation will fund Redkite to develop and distribute specifically tailored support packs for teenagers and young adults who have been diagnosed with cancer. The support packs will enable recently diagnosed individual to access psychological, financial and educational support during their cancer journey. The content comprises of educational and information resources and support and comfort items such as toiletries, food and stationery.
Royal Flying Doctor Service
Qantas played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. On 27th March 1928, Qantas leased a timber and fabric bi-plane to the Service to establish an outback medical service using radio technology.
By supporting the RFDS in providing high-quality aero-medical emergency and primary healthcare services, the Qantas Foundation is assisting the RFDS in saving the lives of Australians and international visitors who are in need of emergency medical attention and closing the gap in healthcare between country and city residents. As the Foundation's inaugural community partner (formed in 2008), our link with the RFDS recognises both Qantas' historic links to this organisation, but also our commitment to supporting grassroots programs that impact rural and remote Australia.
The Qantas Foundation has built upon this long relationship with Qantas and the RFDS by funding two major initiatives in New South Wales and Queensland:
The Fred Hollows Foundation
The Fred Hollows Foundation (FHF) is strongly committed to improving the health of Indigenous Australians through its Indigenous Program, which operates in 55 Australian Indigenous communities. The program addresses the underlying causes of health inequity, targeting the areas of nutrition, literacy, eye health, aural health, women's and children's health, workforce and governance skills, and community engagement.
The Qantas Foundation established a partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation and embarked on the "For Fred's Sake" campaign, providing support to the vital work in remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory. Funding assisted the Fred Hollow's Foundation to restore sight to hundreds of indigenous people by alleviating cataract blindness, trachoma and other treatable eye conditions, whilst also developing and implementing maternal health and literacy programs in the region. As part of this campaign, the Qantas Foundation also provided an opportunity for five Qantas employees to experience first hand the work of the Fred Hollows Foundation in the outback.
The Qantas Group also pledged to match all donations received. The campaign was supported generously by Qantas staff and the Qantas Foundation was extremely proud to donate a sum of $50,000 to The Fred Hollows Foundation following the completion of the campaign. Visit Fred Hollows Foundation for more information.
Youngcare
Youngcare was established in 2009, with the view of providing age specific and dignified care for young Australians requiring full-time care. Currently more than 7,500 young Australians have been identified with full-time care, needs living in aged care simply because there are very few alternatives. Youngcare aims to raise awareness of these issues across the nation, whilst providing practical solutions for young Australians and their families.
In 2012, the Qantas Foundation will assist Youngcare to fund a number of 'At Home Grants' programs. The grants will assist young people with disabilities who are living at home and are at risk of entering aged care facilities and will aim to enhance their standard of living as well as assisting carers with their current responsibilities. The grants will be issued for the provision of essential support items such as hoists, speech recognition devices, respite care and renovations to make homes disability friendly.
