Driving social inclusion through physical activity: the Armidale newly-arrived migrant, refugee and friends regional sport network

Sport 2030 highlights ongoing need to increase physical activity (PA) engagement among culturally and linguistically diverse groups, low-income households and in regional areas. Armidale’s continually growing refugee and newly arrived migrant population reiterates need to build PA levels, community cohesiveness and enhance wellbeing in a multi-cultural regional city. Engaging in partnership with Northern Settlement Services will enable these cohorts to access free, flexible, ability and age-appropriate PA over 2020-2023 through sampler classes with local sports providers. This project’s objective is to enable inclusive access to sport and PA options that may be financially, culturally, linguistically and/or socially out of reach. Thus, seeking to enhance holistic health, develop social links via a ‘bring a friend’ model and address inclusion issues. A mixed-methods (pre, post-survey, focus group) approach with participants and community stakeholders will investigate effectiveness.

Funder: Australian Government, Department of Health and Ageing
Award Value: $224,677