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VicHealth invests $3.5 million in new initiative for young people’s health

By Caleb Francis

Mar 23, 2023

Happy: Kim O’Keeffe, Seldan Andrews, Ch’e Atkinson, Megan Hall and Ashton Cranage.

VicHealth has announced its JumpStart! initiative, which is focused on creating vibrant, active and connected communities of young people in Victoria through community sport, active play, art and food programs.

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The initiative is part of the organisation’s Future Healthy program, which is a $45 million investment over three years aimed at helping young people aged under 25 and their families.

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

Two JumpStart! ideas in the Shepparton region have already been revealed, with both ASHEfest and Valley Sport receiving $40,000 in funding.

ASHEfest is a three-day festival celebrating First Nations culture, while Valley Sport will deliver inclusive coaching workshops to local coaching volunteers and staff, as well as an introductory program for kids on the autism spectrum aged 5 to 12.

VicHealth executive manager Future Healthy Group Sarah Loh said the initiative would support children, teens, young people and their families in reaching their full health potential.

"JumpStart! offers new activities for around 68,000 children and young people across Victoria,“ she said.

State Member for Shepparton Kim O'Keeffe also praised the initiative, saying that “these fantastic programs that have been identified and recognised by VicHealth through their JumpStart! initiative in our region just shows how they tailor to needs of improving the health and wellbeing of young people in our region”.

Through this initiative, VicHealth hopes to create healthier communities and support young people in building better futures.