The NSW Government has set up a $100 million foundation to fund programs aimed at preventing injury and improving the wellbeing of people hurt at work or on the road.

The icare Foundation will invest its funds over five years, complementing the role of Insurance & Care NSW (icare), which administers the state’s compensation and care schemes.

The foundation will work with partners to prevent injury through education programs and invest in projects to overcome issues that hamper recovery for the most severely injured.

“Without the right care, recovery can be a long, dark road for the seriously injured, their families and the whole community,” Minister for Finance, Services and Property Dominic Perrottet said.

“The icare Foundation will work to ensure the care we provide helps to overcome those challenges, offering hope for a fulfilling future.”

Initial projects include working with Spinal Cord Injuries Australia to bring its NeuroMoves program to seriously injured people in regional areas, starting with Lismore.

The foundation will partner with Carers NSW to deliver tailored support programs for families and carers of people with serious injuries, and will work with the Australian Paralympic Committee’s speakers program and the Mental Health Commission.

Successful projects may be expanded across icare’s schemes and into new locations.

The foundation is chaired by icare non-executive director Elizabeth Carr.