Healthy eating and physical activity programs in ACT share in $2 million funding

The latest rounds of Healthy Canberra Grants have awarded almost $2 million to community programs which support healthy eating and physical activity in the ACT, as well as reconnecting Canberrans following the COVID-19 pandemic.

ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith notes “with these latest rounds of Healthy Canberra Grants, the ACT Government is supporting local community groups to deliver a number of exciting programs that will get people active and forming new connections.”

Guided by the Healthy Canberra: ACT Preventive Health Plan 2020-2025 as well as the Best Start for Canberra’s Children: The First 1000 Days Strategy, the Supporting Healthy and Active Living for Children and Young People round awarded $1.58 million in funding to nine community organisations to deliver programs which support healthy eating and increased physical activity in children and young people.

The innovative programs include dance and mentoring workshops for Aboriginal children, providing reduced cost canteen lunches at schools, and supporting cycling and active travel to schools.

Among the recipients of funding is The Stellar Company, formerly known as The Australian Talented Youth Project, who were awarded $54,288.00 for their Stellar Step UP! - a movement and body positivity program for ACT for First Nations, Disability, CALD, Trans and LGBTQIA+ and family communities.

Dea Thiele, Chief Executive for Yerrabi Yurwang Child and Family Corporation shared “we are extremely grateful for this wonderful funding opportunity from the ACT Government. Yerrabi’s Yawarj Mara (Strong Pathways) program will bring together Aboriginal Children and Young People on the northside of Canberra, to learn more about their culture (Spiritual) through song (Expression) and dance (Movement).

“Yawarj Mara will work to enhance their knowledge and their social and emotional wellbeing to lead healthier, more active lives, to thrive in life with dignity, and be well.”

“We want our children and young people to live well by having good nutrition and enough physical activity during their early years,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

“Maintaining healthy lifestyles in childhood contributes to healthy growth, including both physical and psychosocial development, and can reduce the risk of developing chronic disease later in life.

“These community-led programs will help children, young people and their families feel confident, supported and connected as they take part in activities designed to promote a healthy lifestyle.”

In the Reconnecting Communities grants, $380,000 was awarded to 10 community organisations to deliver activities which support re-connection within priority population groups. The programs include knitting circles for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, providing safe spaces for LGBTIQ+ youth to participate in sports, and a fall prevention program for older Canberrans.

Council on the Ageing ACT were awarded $27,566 for S.A.F.R.E. - (Senior Adult Falls Risk & Exercise) Program – the Falls prevention program aims to support older people to improve their health, strength, fitness, prevent injury and reduce social isolation in later life.

Jenny Mobbs, Chief Executive for COTA ACT added “COTA ACT welcomes this funding to support older Canberrans to improve their health, strength, fitness and reduce their risk of social isolation.

“The SAFRE (Senior Adult Falls Risk & Exercise) project will focus especially on those people who currently experience barriers of access to structured exercise programs and social activities, especially people from lower-income and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.”

“Strong social connection has a powerful and protective effect on health for both individuals and communities,” Minister Stephen-Smith added.

“We know the past three years of the COVID-19 pandemic was a distressing time for many Canberrans, particularly for those who experienced increased isolation or loneliness due to lockdowns and restrictions.

“With this funding, we are supporting local community groups and priority populations to bring people together through a common interest, providing pathways to rebuilding positive social connections and creating safe and welcoming places for learning and community engagement.”

For the full list of organisations and programs which will share in the Healthy Canberra Grants, visit health.act.gov.au/about-our-health-system/healthy-living/act-health-promotion-grants-program.

Image above. Credit: The Stellar Company