Minister for Health Sussan Ley today announced funding of $8.25 million until 2019 to women’s health organisation Jean Hailes, to expand its education and outreach work.

This is more than a 50 percent increase in funding, from $1.76 million per year to $2.75 million per year.

Women’s Health Week this week focused on the health of Australian women and girls and is an initiative of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health – an organisation with nearly 20 years’ experience in the field and an important partner with the government in the area of women’s health.

“Women’s health and wellbeing is one of the Government’s fundamental priorities and I applaud the work Jean Hailes does to promote women’s health and wellbeing throughout the country,” Ms Ley said.

“Jean Hailes has been a ground-breaking organisation since it began – providing women with information and options for their own health and the health of their families, as well as resources for health professionals since 1997.”

There is an innovative suite of projects underway that will reach more women with more information to improve health and wellbeing. Central to this is a National Digital Gateway for Women’s Health and Wellbeing which will serve as a one-stop shop for women’s health information, promoting self-management and prevention.

A Mental Health and Wellbeing portal will continue to be developed to help women manage anxiety and other mental health issues, as well as health workforce education and training, community education programs, new digital resources, an annual national survey and sharing the latest information and research with community and health professionals in a monthly mail-out.

“As Health Minister I am absolutely committed to making sure Australian women live happier, healthier and more active lives, and initiatives to encourage healthy eating, and more activity – like the Girls Make your Move campaign – are fundamental to our approach. Physical and mental wellbeing go hand-in-hand.”

See http://womenshealthweek.com.au/ for details.