Program Overview
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Please click on the programs/projects listed below for a more details about the individual programs.
Aboriginal Health
The ECHIDNA project ( Empowering Communities Holistically In Determining Needs for Aboriginal People) is based on the concept of self-determination. The ECHIDNA project incorporates early intervention strategies, which target both the parent and child as a means of improving the quality of life and health status of Aboriginal families. The project works in Partnership with Department of Community Service, Department of Education and Training and Rekindling The Spirit, North Coast Families First and CHEGS Inc.
The project works collaboratively with partners to support program development and provide training, technical and evaluation support to existing programs or groups. The focus areas of Echidna are early education, men's health and women's health.
The Reconnecting Families Program (formally known as the 'Koorie Fathering Project') is a family strengthening program that targets Aboriginal men and women. With the aim of strengthening relationships between partners and their children, this 15 week interactive program builds on core family themes.
HEALInG Program (Healthy Eating Activities and Lifestyles for Indigenous Groups) has been adapted from an existing Queensland weight loss program for Aboriginal women, this 10 week pilot program has been designed to provide realistic and practical information for women facing social, emotional and financial difficulties and to support these women in their decision to take control of their lives, making positive lifestyle changes. The program is presented in a culturally appropriate manner and consists of 3 componentsCHEGS.
Community Participation
The Health Promotion Unit is committed to providing communities with the opportunity to be involved in the planning and delivery of health promotion programs. Community participation is a process through which members of the public cooperate to provide input into progams and projects. Participation provides the community with opportunities to acquire skills, knowledge and experience in planning, development and delivery of health services and is an important element in achieving equity in health.
Health Promotion works closely with the Community Participation Unit of the NCAHS.
CHEGS
CHEGS (Community Health Education Groups) is a not-for-profit organisation, which was established in 1979 as a result of the NSW Health Department's Healthy Lifestyle program that was piloted in the Northern Rivers. CHEGS aims to identify, develop and implement specific community education programmes that support major health promotion initiatives.
CHEGS offers workshops on nutrition & weight management, exercise, Tai Chi, yoga and memory enhancing. A variety of exercise classes are available including gentle exercise, 'Better Beat" a cardiac rehabilitation maintenance class, strengthening, stretch and back care.
Falls Prevention
The North Coast Area Health Service aim is to reduce the number of falls in people by increasing the physical activity levels of men and women age 55 and over. With a rising population of people in this group on the North Coast of New South Wales, falls-related injuries and death are likely to rise. Increasinf opportunities for physical activity for older people is one of the main strategies used to prevent falls.This page aims to provide information about what you can do to reduce your risk of falling.
Nutrition and Physical Activity
Active School Kids (ASK) PROJECT
An invitation is extended to primary schools which have not previously been awarded a Grant Opportunity for School Health (GOSH) or ASK grant, to apply for grants for physical activity projects using a comprehensive, whole school approach to be implemented in 2009.
North Coast Area Health Service Health Promotion, Aboriginal Health and the Cancer Council NSW are offering grants of up to $1,000 to help identify barriers and increase physical activity opportunities in your school. Increased physical activity has been identified as a key strategy in addressing increasing levels of childhood obesity.
Applications are sought for student identified projects which engage the student body and are driven by the student leader group. The focus is on empowering students to examine the whole school environment (natural, built, social and cultural) to identify barriers and increase sustainable opportunities for student participation in physical activity.
All previously unfunded primary schools in the North Coast Area Health Service boundary (Tweed Heads to Camden Haven) are eligible to apply.
Completed ASK applications need to be received by February 27th 2009. An application package is available here to download. If you need further information, please contact Margo Johnston on 02 6562 6066 or Margo.Johnston@ncahs.health.nsw.gov.au
Tooty Fruity Vegie
The Tooty Fruity Vegie project is aimed at increasing fruit and vegetable consumption among primary school children in the North Coast of NSW. The long-term goal of the project is to reduce heart disease and obesity in the community, by working with primary school children to develop healthy eating habits early in life.
The project uses a whole-of-school approach in implementing a range of evidence-based school and community strategies promoting fruit and vegetable consumption in selected schools on the North Coast NSW.
Physical activity can help prevent some illnesses and reduce the risk of heart disease, type II diabetes, osteoporosis, colon cancer, obesity and being injured in a fall. Keeping fit and being active is the key to getting the most out of life, whatever age you are. There are many opportunities to be more active in everyday life, like walking to work or school, parking the car further from the shops, taking the stairs instead of the lift, spending more time in the garden, or walking the dog. Finding a regular physical activity program that suits you may also be a good idea. There are a broad range of options to choose from on the North Coast, like joining a walking group, a gentle exercise program, tai chi, or taking up a new sport, like Lifeball. There maybe a CHEGS program, Lifeball or Walking Group near you, or try the “Live it Up booklets “ or “Active and Older” program for even more suggestions, maybe dancing, or croquet!
RRISK
The RRISK (Reduce Risk Increase Student Knowledge) program offers students the opportunity to develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills required to reduce risk taking behaviour associated with alcohol and drug use, driving and celebrating. The aim of the program is to assist students to make informed decisions that will reduce potential harm and injury.
The major themes of the RRISK Program are Know the Facts, Make Informed Decisions, Minimise Risky Choices, Plan Ahead and Look After Friends. RRISK targets year 10 and/or year 11 high school students who are most likely to be learner and/or provisional drivers.
RRISK offers timely education on issues appropriate to the developmental stage, social life and concerns of adolescents. It provides a framework for an integrated response to minimising the harms associated with alcohol, drugs, driving and other potentially risky behaviours.
Tobacco Control
The North Coast Area Health Service is currently undertaking a number of tobacco control projects. These initiatives include Smoke Free Health Care, reducing smoking in pregnancy prevelance rates, improving community awareness about secondhand smoke and developing and improving services in the area to help people quit smoking.