Breakthrough to deliver ‘Stronger Together’ initiative: supporting regional communities affected by algae bloom.
Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation has received a Round 4 grant from the Rural Health Innovation Fund, supported by Country SA PHN, to deliver its Stronger Together initiative in regional communities affected by the ongoing algae bloom.
The initiative will support communities experiencing the social and emotional impacts of the bloom by strengthening connection, wellbeing and resilience. It will include community wellbeing sessions and Mental Health First Aid training, shaped in partnership with local communities.
Stronger Together will bring people together through evidence-informed psychosocial support and community-led activities. By listening to local voices and supporting locally shaped responses, the initiative will create practical opportunities for people to connect, seek support and look out for one another.
Some of the most effective mental health support happens outside clinical settings in community spaces, sporting clubs, gyms and everyday conversations between people who know and trust one another.
Breakthrough’s work across regional South Australia has shown that people want to talk about mental health, but geographic and social isolation can make it difficult to find a safe and welcoming place to do so. Through Stronger Together, communities will be supported to recognise signs of mental distress, begin potentially life-changing conversations and connect people with appropriate support.
“Connection can be life-changing, particularly when communities are carrying the weight of prolonged environmental and economic pressure. Stronger Together will create welcoming spaces where people can come together, feel heard and build the confidence to support themselves and one another,” Breakthrough CEO John Mannion.
First event: Mates Meals and Mental Health
The first Stronger Together session, Mates, Meals and Mental Health, will be held at the Wallaroo Community Centre on 2 October 2026.
The free event will offer guests a meal, an opportunity to connect with others and practical tools to help them support themselves and others experiencing mental health distress.
Guests will hear from Breakthrough CEO John Mannion, former Port Adelaide Football Club captain Tom Jonas and comedian Marc Ryan, known as The Beautiful Bogan.
Mates, Meals and Mental Health will be the first of several free Stronger Together activities designed in partnership with regional communities.
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This initiative has been made possible by grant funding from the Rural Health Innovation Fund, supported by Country SA PHN.
