The power of partnerships during Active April in the Yarra Ranges
Belgravia Foundation acknowledges the collaboration of local organisations that lead to the development of the Active April initiative. This served as a stellar example of how strategic partnerships can profoundly enhance community health and engagement.
By collaborating with local entities like INSPIRO, Eastern Health, and Reclink Australia, the Yarra Ranges Council, and Belgravia Leisure, the program demonstrated the power of combined efforts in program development. These partnerships not only pooled resources and expertise but also broadened the outreach, enabling a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to promoting physical activity.
Active April emphasised that physical activity is not limited to rigorous workouts or gym sessions. Instead, it celebrated a variety of physical expressions, from swimming and walking to more accessible forms such as seated chair exercises, making it clear that staying active can be adapted to suit diverse lifestyles and abilities. This inclusive mindset helps dismantle barriers to participation and encourages a broader segment of the community to get involved in health-promoting activities.
The Active April initiative saw community members using Monbulk Aquatic Centre and Yarra Centre for a free session in the gym, group exercise class or access to the pool. A highlight of the initiative was a soccer clinic hosted by Monbulk Aquatic Centre at Baynes Park, which saw 11 participants actively engage in the sport. The clinic was a resounding success, paving the way for future sessions.
Furthermore, the durability of these initiatives significantly benefits from such partnerships. They ensure that programs like Active April do not just make a one-time impact but continue to grow and evolve. Through ongoing collaboration, these programs can adapt to the community's changing needs, securing lasting benefits and continually fostering an environment where health and wellness can thrive. This model of sustained, collaborative effort is essential for nurturing a community that values and actively participates in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Belgravia Foundation finds meaning in the power of partnering with organisations to create a sustainable approach to health and wellness journey.