How we Help
Mental Health Initiatives
Take Charge Exercise Program
Belgravia Foundation’s Take Charge Exercise Program is a FREE referral-based program that provides access and support to those diagnosed with a mental health condition at a participating Belgravia Leisure venue.
Co-designed by experts in the fields of mental health and physical activity the program takes a looped-chain support system to engage individuals in exercise, in a safe, welcoming and inclusive community leisure centre for 60-days. The individual will receive five one on one consultations with Belgravia Leisure’s specifically trained and qualified health club staff, including accredited Exercise Physiologists, to uniquely tailor an exercise program to suit the individuals interests and goals related to their physical, social and mental health.
Participating Belgravia Leisure venues include:
· Ascot Vale Leisure Centre VIC
· Civic Reserve Recreation Centre VIC
· Cook & Phillip Park Sydney NSW
· Gunyama Park Sydney NSW
· Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre Sydney NSW
· Keilor East Leisure Centre VIC
· Knox Leisureworks VIC
· Loftus Recreation Centre Leederville WA
· Michael Clarke Recreation Centre Liverpool NSW
· Michael Wenden Aquatic Leisure Centre Liverpool NSW
· Mill Park Leisure VIC
· Monbulk Aquatic Centre VIC
· Pelican Park Recreation Centre VIC
· Somerville Recreation Centre VIC
· Thomastown Recreation and Aquatic Centre VIC
· WaterMarc Greensborough VIC
· Whitlam Leisure Centre Liverpool NSW
· Yawa Rosebud VIC
Referrals and Information
For more information or to enquire about a referral form, please contact a Belgravia Foundation representative at info@belgraviafoundation.org.au
Mental Health eLearning Program (MHeLP)
The Belgravia Foundation’s Take Charge community mental health projects are now more vital than ever.
Following 2020 and the impacts of COVID-19, the Belgravia Foundation is committed to continuing its efforts to improve access to physical activity and participation in sport and leisure, as a means for improving community mental health and wellbeing.
With pleasure, the Belgravia Foundation is proud to announce the launch of its most recent mental health initiative, the Mental Health eLearning Program (MHeLP).
Belgravia Foundations MHeLP platform is a free online training program, available for use by sport and leisure sector organisations to help workers and volunteers support their own and others mental health. To access the program or learn more about MHeLP click the button below.
National Projects
Creating Improved Access and Inclusion for People with a Disability in Swimming and Water Safety Programs.
Being in, on and around water is a cherished national pastime enjoyed by Australians. Through Swimming and Water Safety Programs, people learn how to use and be safer in, on and around water. Access and inclusion in Swimming and Water Safety Programs by people with a disability is not as prominent as among other community groups. One factor contributing to this anomaly is the readiness and confidence of swimming and water safety teachers to include people with a disability into lessons. Recognising this, the Belgravia Foundation will lead innovation in the training of swimming and water safety teachers, working with key training organisations to create evidence-based training, curriculum, resources and supports leading to improved access and inclusion for people with a disability in community-based swimming and water safety programs.
Everyone is Welcome! Staff Development to Support Connection to Leisure Centre Programs by ALL.
Annually, millions of Australians engage in activities in their local leisure centre. These experiences offer opportunities to engage in healthy activity, while also promoting community participation, social connection and a sense of belonging. Leisure centres are key locations through which positive community engagement can occur. In order to support a positive experience for every person, regardless of diversity, gender, location, ability, or any point of difference, the Belgravia Foundation will collaborate with key partners to create, trial, evaluate and roll-out an online staff training program about inclusion and access for ALL into leisure centres.
Local Projects
Take Charge! Community-based Exercise for Youth and Adults Living with Mental Illness
Research has confirmed exercise helps people manage and work toward recovery from mental illness. Mental illness has emerged as a national issue, and in many places, local communities are working to help people living with mental illness through Take Charge! Take Charge! is a free referral-based program that gives access and support to engage in exercise in leisure centres in the community for 60 days, followed by a negotiated co-contribution based on a person financial situation for ongoing access. The Belgravia Foundation, working with local communities throughout Australia, will support the roll-out of this program through staff training, program resources and partnership building, leading to youth and adults living with mental illness gaining the benefits of regular exercise.
Communities Helping Communities.
The Belgravia Foundation actively supports self-help, and recognises that in diverse communities across the nation, different needs and priorities exist. Access and inclusion to sport, exercise, recreation and health activities in community leisure centres by those who have encountered barriers to participation in its many forms will be addressed through partnership and collaboration. Through a community engagement strategy, the leisure-related needs and priorities of people who have been missing out will be identified will be addressed through the resources and expertise of the Belgravia Foundation. Local examples include connecting kids from impoverished backgrounds to sport, offering carers of people with a disability access to wellness activities, improving understanding of mental illness, sponsoring local athletes who are disadvantaged to receive training or travel support to show their capability in state, national or international competitions.
Our programs
Swimming and water safety
Our swimming lessons support the individual learning needs of participants, to improve each person’s capacity toward independence in, on and around water. This program is delivered in one-to-one, small group and standard group lessons to strengthen water confidence, functional swim skills and the ability to take part in mainstream aquatic activities.
Fitness
Our fitness programs take into account each person’s goals and interests, aiding improvements in health and wellbeing through individual and group exercise programs.
Sports
We offer programs across a range of sports to help imprint a positive sport experience, build interest and confidence, improve mobility and motor skills, while fostering friendships in a team environment.
Recreation
We offer a wide variety of options to be active and engaged in the community, including dance or trampolining classes, as well as play groups, birthday parties and group events in aquatic, sports and fitness centres.
Health
We offer programs that provide the opportunity to gain improved flexibility, relaxation and a sense of calm. These programs include Yoga, Tai Chi, as well in specialist facilities we offer wellness and spa therapies.