Foundation tackles critical health issues

THE West Moorabool Foundation is launching two health promotion projects aimed at improving community wellbeing and awareness around critical issues.

The foundation’s executive officer, Kim Dennis, said work on the first project on mental health and chronic illness awareness is underway, and it aims to raise awareness of anxiety, depression, and type 1 diabetes.

“This initiative utilises a targeted Facebook campaign to connect with the local community, providing key information and guidance around recognising symptoms and accessing available support services,” Ms Dennis said.

“Additionally, the campaign includes community engagement activities around dementia, offering opportunities for open discussions and resources for caregivers and affected individuals.

“These efforts aim to promote early intervention, reduce stigma, and ensure better access to local services.

“We’ve already got the videos ready to go for this first project. We’re also doing a podcast that will go with these. These are community conversations basically.

“It’s really about getting people to have that conversation about mental health and reducing stigma.”

Ms Dennis said the project’s dedicated Facebook page is scheduled to be up and running by the end of this month.

Slated to start in late 2025 or early 2026, the second project aims to tackle vaping through early intervention.

Ms Dennis said the project will aim to educate people, particularly youth, about the risks of vaping and the importance of making informed choices.

“This project will involve digital outreach, partnerships with local organisations, and interactive community events to create awareness and drive conversations around this emerging health issue,” she said.

Both projects are aiming to deliver long-term benefits by improving public understanding of key health challenges and community access to vital support.

Ms Dennis also encouraged people with other thoughts around community health projects or health issues to get in contact with the foundation.