Health promotion foundation VicHealth has announced an investment of almost $1 million towards research initiatives to support Victorians to “build back better and fairer” in the new COVID-normal.

Belgravia Leisure will partner with Professor Nora Shields from La Trobe University and many leading local government, disability and leisure organisations on a 2-year project to address environmental barriers to physical activity participation for young people with disability at community leisure centres.

Professor Shields said, “I’m thrilled to be collaborating with Belgravia Leisure and nine other partner organisations on this ambitious project, based on our shared vision, actions and commitment to social inclusion for young people with disability.”

Belgravia Leisure will play an integral role and support the project through advisement, leisure sector staff engagement and information sharing, recruitment of participants with a disability, and translation into practice of the evidence gathered from 12 venues in Victoria that are managed by Belgravia Leisure.

Belgravia Leisure CEO Nick Cox is thankful that the organisation will be contributing to such an important research project. “We have seen firsthand the impact that COVID has had on young people in local communities. We believe this research project will provide valuable insight towards reducing barriers to participation for young people living with disability, so that they may be able to meet the health and fitness goals that many may take for granted,” Mr Cox said.

“Belgravia Leisure has a deep and ongoing commitment to access and inclusion. We believe that the information gathered from this project will be invaluable for training, resources and programs to create new pathways towards inclusion and access to leisure,” Mr Cox added.

Find out more about the VicHealth Impact Research Grants here: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/funding/impact-research-grants-2021