Belgravia Foundation has partnered with Belgravia Leisure, The Pines Learning Centre, Park Orchards Community House & Learning Centre, Nutrition Australia, EACH (Manningham Youth Services), CVGT and Orygen to develop the ‘Staying Connected to Stay Healthy and Happy in Manningham’ project. Responding to Manningham residents’ need to remain connected and engaged during lockdown and business closure, the project was designed to combat feelings of isolation and unhealthy habits.

The initiative will comprise of a 40 week online interactive session experience, targeting vulnerable groups living within Manningham Council; older adults, people living alone, people with a disability, people of cultural and linguistic diversity and people with a mental health condition.

To understand the hobbies, interests, and needs of the Manningham community, surveys were conducted and data was evaluated. Telephone and online surveys were used to capture output and outcome information. Output measures that were considered include number of participants in each session, session variety, advertising and media platforms, collaborations, as well as geographical reach of participants. Outcomes, however, pertain the program recommendations and feedback from participants, activity leaders and coordinators.

Building on existing online resources, this project works to create positivity around physical, social and emotional health and wellbeing. The proposed online community-based programs and services will create pathways and connections to enable participants to feel more confident to introduce themselves back into the community once restrictions ease.