Health Promotion is the process of enabling people to increase control over and improve their health.

Health promotion occurs at a number of levels - with the individual, family and community.

At Bass Coast Community Health Service (BCCHS), the Community and Health Promotion Team undertake research to identify needs, and develop activities that help to enhance the health of individuals, families and groups within the Bass Coast area.

Other BCCHS Teams also undertake health promotion activities that are integrated into their overall work.

Participants in the Wonthaggi Community Garden project have access to fresh and low-cost fruit and vegetables. The Community Garden and the walking group are examples of activities assisting in the prevention of illness and disease in the community, which is an objective of BCCHS.

Another objective of BCCHS is to “increase physical activity participation and access to people experiencing greatest disadvantage in the South Coast catchment”. Recently-established walking groups provide people living in the Bass Coast area with easy access to physical activities.

These walking groups at San Remo/ Cowes and Wonthaggi give participants the opportunity to improve their physical fitness and engage in enjoyable social interaction whilst exercising. Participants also have the extra benefit of learning more about the local environment.

• For further information about Health Promotion please contact, Community and Health Promotion Team Coordinator on 5671 9200.