Kids get a big connection

A successful pilot program run at Newhaven Primary School last year will be rolled out to other schools, thanks to state government funding.

Bass Coast Kids as Catalysts was one of 27 programs funded by Vic Health’s $5 million program, The Big Connect.

The Big Connect supports the mental wellbeing of young people, by creating opportunities for them to reconnect with families, friends and communities, in ways that work for them.

The government said the programs are aimed at young people and were selected by young people. The Big Connect includes partnerships with sports, active recreation, arts, cultural, youth, health promotion and community food sectors across Victoria.

The Kids as Catalysts program helps students build meaningful social connections through community action, in partnership with the local community.

Alison Bradfield is General Manager of Kids Thrive, the organisation that developed and ran the pilot program at Newhaven Primary School.

She said the funding will allow the program to be rolled out to five schools in the region.

Work is already underway on the first phase of a new program, which will include primary schools at Newhaven, Bass Valley and Powlett River.

“The program will start in schools in term three,” Alison confirmed.

Pilot

The local pilot program, funded by the Bass Coast Community Foundation, ran at Newhaven Primary School in 2021.

The Grade 5 and 6 students formed teams around their passions for local issues and secured a community partner organisation to work with.

In this partnership the children designed and created a community action plan and pitched to a community panel, with $1130 granted to the projects by the panel.

Students worked on issues including animal welfare, children, disability, cultural diversity, elders, environment and gender.

Examples included a team that worked with Mat Bowtell at Free 3D Hands to build a custom-made 3D hand.

Another team became animal lifesavers, working with Maru Koala and Animal Park.

Newhaven Primary will be part of the newly funded program running later this year.