Pilot program offers village of support
Curtin Associate Dean (Medicine), Dr Yvonne Anderson is leading the Healthy Lifestyle Program pilot.
An innovative 2-year program has been piloting a transformational approach to the way families approach health and wellbeing, with participants describing it as a much-needed 鈥渧illage of support.鈥�
Led by the , in partnership with 麻豆直播, and , the Healthy Lifestyle Program pilot was launched in June 2024.
The pilot program offers practical, personalised support to families navigating the often-overwhelming journey toward healthier living.
Designed through three years of community consultation, the multidisciplinary, collaborative approach is rooted in cultural safety, equity, and compassionate care, shaped with the input and wisdom of Aboriginal Elders and consumers.
Elders from the Cultural Advisory Group, who provide critical guidance to the pilot.
The pilot is currently being delivered in Perth鈥檚 eastern metropolitan corridor under the leadership of Paediatrician and Professor of Community Child Health, , who previously developed a similar, award-winning program in New Zealand.
Rather than focusing on diets or weight loss, Dr Anderson says the program enables families by building confidence and lifelong healthy lifestyle knowledge in terms of nutrition, physical activity, and emotional wellbeing.
鈥淔amilies are learning together in a way that鈥檚 engaging, fun and non-judgemental,鈥� Dr Anderson said.
鈥淭hrough community and home-based assessments, we鈥檙e seeing encouraging changes.鈥�
So far, more than 180 participants have been referred to the pilot, which has quickly become a safe, supportive space for families to connect and share knowledge.
Chef Blair, 5 years, making nacho bowls with Mum, Simone at group session.
Dr Anderson said a key part of the program鈥檚 success was the strong sense of community the participants experienced – and the warmth and trust they felt toward facilitators and fellow participants.
鈥淭o hear families say they don鈥檛 feel judged and that staff feel more like aunties, that鈥檚 when the magic happens. That鈥檚 when real change begins,鈥欌�� she said.
Dr Anderson said the goal was to redefine what health looks like, not as numbers on a scale, but through the lens of community and shared knowledge.
鈥淔or many families, this is not about willpower – it鈥檚 about access to support and health-promoting environments,鈥� she said.
鈥淭here are very real barriers, such as financial stress, food insecurity, transport issues, and complex family dynamics, which can hinder someone鈥檚 ability to lead a healthier lifestyle.
鈥淥ur goal is to break down those barriers where we are able through a strengths-based, family-led approach, and re-write the narrative with families.鈥�
Ellenbrook mum of four Natasha, said her son Jacob (11) was waiting to see a nutritionist at Perth Children鈥檚 Hospital when she learned about the program.
Nevaeh, 8 years (left), and Jacob, 11 years (right) after shooting some hoops at group session.
鈥淥riginally, Jacob was going to attend alone, but now my 8-year-old daughter Nevaeh goes too,鈥� she said.
鈥淭hey both love it and never want to miss a session.鈥�
From group activities to hands-on meal prep, Natasha said the program had helped the children feel more confident and engaged.
鈥淭hey love getting in the kitchen and cooking with their new friends,鈥欌�� she said.
“We’ve also learned to make better food choices at home, and they feel proud of it. They get a say now, and that makes a real difference.”
Natasha said the positive impact now extends throughout her entire household, as she brings home tips to involve her 17-year-old son, who has autism, and their two-year-old foster child with special care needs.
鈥淲e鈥檝e swapped ham, something I thought was healthy, for better options,鈥欌�� she said.
鈥淣ow it鈥檚 fruit, cheese, and rice crackers instead of chips for recess, and the kids are spending more time outdoors than on their devices.鈥�
Dr Anderson notes that approximately 25 per cent of participating families identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander – a testament to the ease of access to the program, partnerships and a culturally respectful design.
鈥淲ith patient-centred care closer to home, families can truly thrive and teach us what we need to know as health professionals,鈥� she said.
鈥淭his pilot demonstrates that while healthy choices aren鈥檛 always easy, with genuine support, they become possible.鈥�
Child and Adolescent Community Health Service Executive Director, Judith Stewart, praised the initiative and its community-centred model.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been a privilege to host the Healthy Lifestyle Program pilot,鈥� she said.
鈥淭o see the team working alongside families to support positive lifestyle change is inspiring.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a model of care that is accessible, culturally safe, and close to home- and we鈥檒l take valuable lessons from it as we continue to improve our community health services.鈥�
The team is in the process of publishing and sharing findings from the pilot, including understanding lessons around how the pilot could inform working with larger groups in the future. The pilot program will run until the end of 2025. Dr Anderson hopes that such programs can become standard of care in the future to support more families to achieve healthy lifestyle change.