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Home > Active Living > Activity - general information > Active Families

Active Families

The Active Families project aims to identify, remove or reduce barriers and provide opportunities for participation in physical activity by sole parents with young children.

The project aims to get participating parents and children more active by providing access to childcare so that parents can take part in regular physical activity, family activities that allow joint play and events to help participating families connect with their community.

The Victorian YMCA undertook this project in two locations, Ballarat and Frankston. Over 100 sole parents participated in the program across both locations.

YMCA Victoria identified that the key issues preventing sole parents from becoming more active included:

Lack of funds
Social isolation
Limited transport options
Access to childcare
Lack of extended family support
Absence of other parent and stress related to ongoing issues following separation.

These issues mean that the parent often feels that they have no time, or are too tired, for physical activity.

The Active Families project incorporates three program models underpinned by an education and information component designed to foster engagement, minimise barriers and increase levels of active participation by sole parents:

1. Active Time for Me - Enables parents to grow and develop and have a little time to themselves.
2. Active Together - Enables parents and children to be active together in a social setting.
3. Active Families Network - Fosters family togetherness, development of social networks and promotes community activity.

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Acknowledgement

This information has been sourced from The Victorian YMCA.

Last updated: 06/12/2009

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