VicHealth’s JumpStart! initiative supports Life Saving Victoria aquatic safety program

VicHealth’s JumpStart! Initiative is delivered in partnership with community groups and organisations across the state to give 180 local ideas a JumpStart! in creating vibrant, active and connected communities of young people.

Among the new Jumpstart! ideas is Life Saving Victoria’s Welcome to Australia, Welcome to Water swimming and aquatic safety program for children and teens from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Life Saving Victoria General Manager, Diversity and Inclusion, David Holland said the 10-week program will teach young people about water safety and swimming, while making friends and getting active.

“Life Saving Victoria is grateful for the VicHealth JumpStart! grant that will support our programs to provide critical water safety education to over 220 young people from diverse backgrounds across Melbourne.

“Following a substantial increase in some of the worst fatal drownings, our fun and social programs will increase physical activity, connect communities and build confidence for people to swim in pools and waterways across Victoria."

JumpStart! is focused on building healthier communities through community sport, active play, art and food programs. It’s part of VicHealth’s Future Healthy initiative – a $45 million investment over three years helping Victoria’s young people aged 0-25 and their families to build back better and fairer.

As part of JumpStart! Round 2, local organisations across the state will share in more than $3.5 million to build communities that support the health of young people.

VicHealth’s Executive Manager Future Healthy Group, Sarah Loh, said the exciting programs will support children, teens, young people and their families to reach their full health potential.

Loh notes “JumpStart! Round 2 will offer new activities for around 68,000 children and young people across Victoria. We’re reaching far and wide across the state – from monster-themed dance workshops in Castlemaine to circus skills in St Albans and cultural food tastings in West Heidelberg – there’s something here for everyone. We can’t wait to see these programs come to life over the next 12 months.”

JumpStart! Round 1 and Round 2 combined have supported a total of more than 300 projects with a share of just over $7.25million right across the state.

More information on VicHealth’s JumpStart! Initiative at futurehealthy.vichealth.vic.gov.au/

To find JumpStart! activities near you, visit futurehealthy.vichealth.vic.gov.au/jumpstart-map

Image. Credit: Life Saving Victoria