* Cultural Warning

People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent should be aware that the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service website may contain images and names of people who are deceased or images of places that could cause sorrow.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Current Programs & Services

  • Active Elders Programs (See below)
  • Diabetes Club
  • HACC
  • Family Violence Men's Health
  • Koori Community Kitchens

Active Elders Program

Community Programs run activities for community members two Active Elders programs to assist in individual health management for Elders and those with chronic medical conditions. We do this through five programs, which are designed to meet individual health and well being needs. These may be a combination of each program where you may undertake light strength training, hydrotherapy, warm water exercise, diabetes and or social activities. These programs are held weekly with the AHW & Allied health staff.

Hydrotherapy

For clients who may suffer from joint pain due to arthritis or muscle injuries or various chronic conditions that will benefit from specific exercises in warm water, with a focus on improving movement and strengthening muscles. This Class will be run with our Physiotherapist and Physical Activity and Nutrition Worker.

Hydrotherapy is an excellent way to exercise, especially for people who want to improve their joint mobility, muscle strength and overall health and fitness.

Exercise in warm water:

  • Helps relieve pain and stiffness cause by injury, arthritis or following joint replacement
  • Increases physical fitness and strength
  • Assists in weight loss and management of diabetes
  • Assists in blood circulation
  • Exercise can be fun and easy in warm water

Some benefits of hydrotherapy

  • Buoyancy supports your body and reduces the stress on painful or arthritic joints
  • Water resistance helps you to gradually build up flexibility, strength and stamina, no matter what your current level of fitness.

Benefits reported by participants

  • "It makes me feel good and I particularly enjoy the social aspect."
  • "It's extremely relaxing and easy to exercise in the water."
  • "This has helped the circulation in my legs and my diabetes management."
  • "I'm getting fitter all the time."
  • "No more stiffness in my knees and back."
  • "I feel a lot better, more mobile and able to move freely."

Gym

Gym is a physical activity training program run by The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS). Gym is primarily for Elders and people with chronic health concerns who want to improve their strength, balance and coordination. A combination of our Gentle Gym and Active Kooris programs, the focus is strength based exercises in sitting, standing, and using gym equipment for your personalised program. This program will be run with our Physiotherapist and Physical Activity and Nutrition Worker. Regular physical activity can benefit health and help prevent illness and disease.

Our gym programs offers:

  • An individually designed fitness program for your needs. (Chair based and free weight and machine based programs available)
  • Supervision by qualified staff.
  • Ongoing education and guidance.
  • Regular updates of your individual program.
    • A friendly, fun and culturally sensitive atmosphere in which to exercise.

What physical activities are available?

  • Working heart and lungs by gentle walking on treadmill or exercise bike or rowing machine
  • Strengthening muscles by using various machines and dumbbells from 1/2kg weight and upwards
  • Balance and coordination is exercise using balls, balance boards and steps.
  • Exercise bike
  • Treadmill
  • Stretches
  • Gentle weights for strengthening
  • Ball activities
  • Balance exercises include: rocker board, ball and bean bag throwing
  • Agility activities, stepping over obstacles

Important information for our gym members

  • Drink plenty of water during and after exercise.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes (e.g. runners).
  • Bring any medications you may need to the training session (e.g. Ventolin, anginine)
  • If you have diabetes we recommend you test your blood sugar before and after exercise and have some hypo 'treatment' with you.
  • If you feel any pain or discomfort while exercising, stop immediately and tell the instructor.

benefits reported by some of our gym participants

  • Improved fitness & strength
  • Improved balance
  • Less diabetic medication needed
  • Make friends
  • Think about looking after my body more
  • Enjoy life better
  • Increased awareness and reinforcement of what I know
  • Improved general well-being
  • Stronger arms
  • Learn new things

Extra Activities

Extra Activities is s a program designed to be socially interactive while still remaining active. These activities include some fun activities for you, such as: Lawn Bowls, Dancing, Self Defence, Tai Chi, Meditation and Walking groups. The program is run by The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) Extra Activities is primarily for people with chronic health concerns and elders who want to participate in activities outside of a gym involvement which is about being socially active with community. Regular activity and social interaction can benefit health and help prevent illness and disease.

Extra activities involves:

  • A fun day out for all who attend the program
  • Supervision by qualified staff
  • Nutritious lunches provided
  • Socialising with members of your community
  • A friendly, fun and culturally sensitive atmosphere

Other important information:

  • All activities can be catered for all fitness levels
  • All activities can be performed seated or standing depending on your ability
  • Ensure you bring your water bottle to all activities.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes (e.g. runners).
  • Bring any medications you may need to the training session (e.g. Ventolin, anginine)
  • If you have diabetes we recommend you test your blood sugar before and after exercise and have some hypo 'treatment' with you.
  • If you feel any pain or discomfort while participating, stop immediately and tell the instructor.

Benefits reported by some of our participants:

  • Enjoy getting out of the house
  • More active
  • Make friends
  • Improved general well-being
  • Look forward trying and learning new thing

Diabetes Club

For people in the community who live with Diabetes. It is an informal support group with sessions for gentle exercise and cooking. This program will be run with out Dietician, Diabetes Educator and our Physical Activity and Nutrition Worker.

Home and Community Care (HACC)

The HACC Program is intended to provide basic maintenance and support services, which are cost effective and meet the needs of individuals so they can remain in the community. Basic maintenance and support services are defined as the essential to a personÕs continued independence so they can remain at home longer rather than going into residential care.

HACC services provided by the VAHS are designed to meet individual and family needs Š including those of younger, frail and Elders. There is an assessment process which happens before a HACC services can be arranged and community members are encouraged to call the VAHS to make an appointment for an assessment.

Family Violence: Men's Health

All clients that present with Family Violence Issues are assessed for any health issues and referred to appropriate services within the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service. These are also referred as required, to the Maya Healing Centre and where necessary, to other relevant services including:

  • St Vincent's - Medical Issues
  • Moreland Hall - Drug and Alcohol
  • Family Counseling Service - Counseling and Psychology
  • Men's Line Australia - Crisis Counseling and General Support

Following referrals, follow up appointments are made with the client either by phone or in person within a few days to ensure that they have access to services.