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SNAP into Life -Teaching health messages to children

The SNAP into Life project implemented a health promotion game targeting Aboriginal children aged between 7 and 12 years of age and in line with the national general practice initiative on addressing the lifestyle risk factors of Smoking, Nutrition, Alcohol and Physical activity (SNAP).

The aim of the game is to improve the knowledge, attitudes and intentions of players on behaviours that promote healthy lifestyles, in a way that is both culturally appropriate and fun.

As part of the project, the game was played in Aboriginal Medical Services and Cultural Health Clinics throughout the West Kimberley region of Western Australia and involved a total of 11 schools across the State. It was also incorporated into the Education Department's Indigenous Branch Happy Kids program. "The game created a good reason to go into the schools and mix with the children in a non threatening way - so they may be more likely to see the doctor for difficult issues," said Dr Tippetts.

At completion of the project, 35 facilitators had been trained and the game played 80 times involving more than 340 children. There is clear evidence that over the past two years health messages had been learnt, particularly where communities and schools had embraced the game.

For more information or a copy of the report email wendy@truebluedreaming.org.au

Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service Inc. is a community agency with a strong commitment to social justice and providing family, youth and consumer services to disadvantaged members of the community in Collingwood, St Albans, Mornington Peninsula and St Kilda.

This full time position, which will be based in Collingwood, is responsible for coordinating the Melbourne Metropolitan Youth Mentoring Implementation and Coordination (MMYMIC) program which seeks to build greater coordination and linkages across youth mentoring projects and will also provide some executive administrative support to the Victorian Youth Mentoring Alliance (VYMA). This is a fixed term position until 30 Nov 2008.

The successful applicant will possess effective program development, implementation and very strong administrative skills. Knowledge of the youth mentoring sector is an advantage. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory Working with Children Check. This project is funded by the Department of Planning and Community Development as a partnership between Good Shepherd, Maribyrnong Moonee Valley LLEN and VYMA.

Hurry, applications close at 5pm on Tuesday October 9th, 2007.

Click here for more information

The results of the Understanding Australian Youth Mentoring Programs Survey carried out earlier this year are now available in the 'Mentoring Matters' report.

The Mentoring Matters report has four key findings:
· Most programs believe that mentees are motivated to participate in mentoring by having someone who supports them and provides friendship (56%). This is followed by careers guidance (17%) and to develop skills and work experience (15%).

· More than a third of mentoring programs' funding ceases on the 31st December this year (35%).  Only 2% of programs have access to an ongoing funding arrangement.

· An overwhelming majority of program practitioners believe that there are NOT enough resources and services accessible in their community for children and young people (74%).

· Funding is the largest factor identified to assist in developing mentoring programs (26%). This was followed closely by professional development and training (21%), networking (13%) and promotion of mentoring including sponsorship (11%).

Click here to download a copy of the Mentoring Matters report

Thank you once again to everyone who completed the survey and contributed to the report.