Rick Marton

Save Our Health - Active Launceston

A$2,700
of $20,000 targetyrs ago
Closed on 21st Dec 2015 at 3:59AM.
Active Launceston is a home grown program that has changed and continues to change people’s lives…

Tasmania has a poor health record and an ageing population.

Tasmania has the HIGHEST level of chronic conditions in Australia. 44.9% of residents have three or more long-term chronic conditions – this is a major burden on our health system and it's PREVENTABLE!

Physical inactivity is major risk factor for chronic disease and only 43.4% of Tasmanians meet national physical activity guidelines.

Active Launceston is a community driven partnership with the vision of improving the health and wellbeing of the Launceston community through physical activity. it started in 2008 between the University of Tasmania, City of Launceston and the Tasmanian Government. The Tasmanian Government has not renewed funding for 2016.

Between mid-2008 and 30 June 2015, Active Launceston coordinated: 
176 community programmes, that attracted
11 193 attendees, who attended
28 155 sessions, amounting to approximately
35 500 hours of physical activity, and typically
1000 new individuals join Active Launceston annually.

The 2012 Active Launceston evaluation showed:
*Community members that participated in physical activity during the last twelve months was UP 22.7 PERCENT.
*People who undertook moderate intensity activity in the previous fortnight is UP 17.1 PERCENT. 
*Those reporting participation in vigorous activity is UP 18.1 PERCENT.


JUST LOOK AT SOME OF THE BENEFITS GENERATED BY THE ACTIVE LAUNCESTON PROGRAM:

1. Improving the health and wellbeing of individuals and community by increasing the numbers of accessible physical activities.
2. Creating new social networks between those in the community that may otherwise not mingle including the elderly, underprivileged and migrant communities.
3. Increasing knowledge of healthier alternatives and the benefits of an active lifestyle.
4. Developing (and utilising) an evidence based, innovative preventative health model that offers research opportunities and massive benefits for our health system in the short and long
5. Reducing inequality by reducing social and geographic barriers and focusing programs towards those in our community who are the most vulnerable, with the highest level of need, and who may not have otherwise participate
6. Supporting the preventative health industry through endorsing, promoting and supporting new and existing providers employing 45 health consultants and commercial providers to roll out the programs.
7. Saving the state economy money by keeping people out of hospitals thus reducing the burden on the health budget and the individual cost of living - In a document entitled “A Fair and Healthy Tasmania” Tasmania’s Department of Health and Human Services estimated in 2011, if community-wide physical activity campaigns can reduce the number of people who are inactive by 4% the potential annual savings for the Tasmanian Government include, but are not limited to; $2.9 million in healthcare and $4.9 million in lost production and leisure.
8. Contributing to the vision and goals of Tasmania’s Plan for Physical Activity 2011-2021 as well as many other Federal, State and Local Government, non-Government organisations and University plans and policies in the areas of preventive health care, employment, cost of living and access to services, children and youth, sustainability, community engagement, and social inclusion.
9.Providing a framework that can be adapted to meet the needs of other communities around Tasmania and Australia.

Oh...and look how happy these kids look....!


This is what participants think about Active Launceston...

“Well, I couldn’t even ride a bike until I started the group … and it just gave me the ability to go faster and on better tracks and longer rides and then I’ve taken it from the class into my own life where I am riding six days a week now”

“It’s been great for me and one of the things that I liked was the Zumba. It made me realise just how uncoordinated I am. It’s just trying to bring your left arm up with your left leg, but you go home laughing and talking about it for days”

“Some of the cohorts that they bring out are very socially isolated, often people with disabilities, mental health issues. The benefits of reducing isolation and getting people out are well beyond how we might define health. There are the social benefits of getting people together.

“I have participated in several activities with this program over the years, particularly Tai Chi in City Park during my lunch break. Myself and several colleagues looked forward to this every week. This was a wonderful de-stressing break from our usual stressful occupation and it has made a huge difference to us all.”

“I retired from work in July 2014 and joined the Active Gold program. I knew I wanted to do something to keep fit and active and this program is giving me the chance to find that activity. I am very grateful for the opportunity. What a marvellous way to keep people active and involved, not to mention the health, social and psychological benefits.”

“Not being a very active person in the past, and getting on in years, I have found participating in Active Launceston reenergising and spurring me on to do more. I feel so much healthier and can see that physical activities can reduce my prospect of growing older unhealthily. I guarantee that I would not have taken on such exercise if I was committed to paying a large amount of money to a gym or organisation for an annual membership just to try an activity. To have the chance to try before I buy with Active Launceston has been invaluable.”

“I have benefited from these programs with improved fitness and a better sense of self-worth while meeting new people from all walks of life. The rapport with all participants built up by the instructors, and the camaraderie that grew with each week of attendance was something I had missed since ending my involvement in team sport. I thoroughly enjoyed the variety of activities that were on offer and believe the continuance of this program will benefit the people of Launceston”

“One lady came to us with severe depression (rated at 37), amongst other conditions. She would spend the majority of her day sitting on the couch unable to contribute to her family (husband and children), and requiring them to do the cooking, chores etc. She completed 7 weeks of GAP Activate Your Life, reduced her depression score to 7, reduced her Diabetes medication and is now out and about on a regular basis. Her family is very happy!”

“I initially joined (Active Blokes) because I had a friend who I knew would benefit from not only the fitness aspects of the program, but more importantly, would get so much from making social connections. I have seen him gain confidence with interacting with others, and I was very proud of him climbing the ‘hard’ wall last night. So, thank you for making a difference in his life. Personally, I also gained so much from the program. I loved all of the activities and locations, and appreciated meeting other blokes from the community. I have lived in Launceston for many years and had never been to the venues we visited before. The program has encouraged me to look at judo and cross fit, for example, and consider expanding the types of exercise I do in my own time. All the guys had a great time and we started to get to know each other. I am happy to say that I have made a few new friends from the program, which honestly, I initially didn’t think I would.”

“This has been my first year in the program. I have found that I have been able to try new things and I have started doing aqua aerobics twice a week”

“Free activities have encouraged me to diversify my activities for keeping active”

“Participating in a safe environment is very important. There is no way I would go out and pound the pavements by myself”

“Before Active Aqua I didn’t even know where the Aquatic Centre was! Thank you to Active Launceston for giving me the opportunity I am now participating in a weekly program”

“I am now participating weekly in a similar program to Active Hydro fantastic program that opened the door for me to other programs”

“The participation of my mother encourages me to keep coming, it is really great that she can be involved at 80! The fact that it is free allowed my mother who is a pensioner to come”

“It is close to home, very casual atmosphere and it is outside!! No cost is also attractive. I am also more motivated to do activities at home. I have been able to bring my husband along and this group suits both of us”

“I really like the variety in Active Launceston activities - much better than going to a gym”

“I have for the first time been fortunate to attend a couple of the Active Launceston Programmes. Felt very privileged to be able to do Active Launceston Gold as I have recently taken early retirement and would not under normal circumstances had access, let alone free access, to so many great activities. It enabled me to try sports I wouldn't have tried otherwise, eg golf, archery, lawn bowls, Tako drums etc. Also did Active Dance. Was unable to attend all sessions but thoroughly enjoyed the few I did. Since the end of last year am attempting to go to Tai Chi in City park. Would be happy to try some other activities in the future, maybe ten pin bowling, table tennis, croquet, or anything else available. I do hope these activities continue into the future. They give ordinary people like myself an opportunity to have a go!!”

“I regularly attend the active parks sessions and my children have been part of the active after schools communities which allows them to try a number of different sports they otherwise wouldn’t be able to partake in. It is a part of our routine that we look forward to each week and hope to see continue in the future.”

"I participated in this fantastic program last year doing an 8 week program called Active Blokes. It was a program trying different sports and activities at various venues around our city. This program was well run, good fun and a great way to try different activities that you would normally not get to try. One of the activities I got to try was Cross Fit. I have now taken a membership up with that gym and now do on average 3 nights a week training. I would not have done this if it wasn’t for this program; it has got me on the road to better health and fitness and is becoming an enjoyable part of my life”

"Thanks heaps for all the activities, it makes it so much easier to get out of the house and have fun. Plus it's free and everyone is so friendly. I love it and really appreciate the fact that we all get to do it."

“I participated in the Active Launceston yoga program. I had never done yoga before, and thoroughly enjoyed the classes. They were all very well taught, and at such a level that everyone could challenge themselves whilst not finding it too hard. The instructors were fantastic. Thank you very much for the opportunity to participate, I will definitely do it again if it is run again.”

“Active Launceston has been critical in getting me moving more.”

“The Active Winter program on Friday mornings helped keep me active over winter when I wanted to stay indoors. It was social and fun but also very active.”

“The active parks program is very motivating with wonderful instructors who are kind, funny and motivational. Also the ability to socialise with a whole bunch of people in a park is inspirational and brings back the notion of community which I really love.”

“I think active Launceston is a fantastic program. I know lots of people who have benefited from their programs. The funding for affordable activities in Launceston must be increased as chronic disease is much cheaper to prevent than treat.”

“The Active Parks program got a friend and I involved in activity again. We went for an afternoon swim Mon and Thurs followed by the classes in City and Coronation parks. I also went to the Tues Fun & Fitness class at Punchbowl. We have continued our activity since the Parks program finished, joining the Aquatic Centre. Thank you - this program kickstarted us.”

“Exercising in the parks is so special.”

“It was wonderful and made you feel really alive and thriving”

“(I valued) the opportunity to exercise outside without awful loud music and a 'gym' environment. And have fun!”

“Great range of activities and time slots offered”

“GREAT job. Keep it up, keep it going!”

“Thank you for giving your time for the community.”

“Great program, is getting me moving!”

“I thoroughly enjoyed it great to involve family too”

“The program was just what I needed”

“Thank you, just love the program.”


How The Funds Will Be Used

How do you know your pledge is being used wisely? Our campaign video is proof, it was put together by the Active Launceston team so there was no need for production costs!

The services that Active Launceston delivers are restricted only by the availability of funds. The more money they have the more programs they run.

Active Launceston programs target a number of groups in our community focusing on those who are marginalised and vulnerable including:

* Older people
* Disengaged young people
* Children including under 5’s
* Sedentary adults including those suffering from a chronic condition or recovering for illness/injury
* Friends from a non-English speaking background - Migrants and refugees
* Adults and children with a disability (we base our programs on their abilities!)
* Those in our community from a lower socio-economic background who may have missed access to quality health education

On average each 8 session program costs us close to $5000 to run, some considerably less, others a bit more.
Which programs are run depends on where Active Launceston can have the biggest impact.

Funds raised will be used to cover:
*costs of instructor fees
*venue hire
*effective and efficient promotion and marketing
*costs directly associated with each program such as travel, telephone, postage, printing and computer costs
*Pozible and credit card transaction fees (necessary for us to achieve this).

Other administration costs such as insurance etc are absorbed by the larger program (and our base funding). 
There has been no fee charged by Effective Naturally/Rick Marton for assistance on this program.



The Challenges

The first challenge is for the whole community... almost 1 in 3 Tasmanians do not undertake sufficient physical activity to maintain good health and over half of all Tasmanians reported being overweight or obese. This is a BAD HEALTH TRAJECTORY.

The second challenge is for Active Launceston...FUNDING!

Active Launceston relies on grants, sponsorships and donations to operate.

They work tirelessly to raise funds through a variety of funding sources such as; funding allocations, consultancy contracts, grants, sponsorships and donations from; the University of Tasmania, federal, state and local government, not for profit organisations, local businesses, individual community members, funding bodies and philanthropic boards.

They're very grateful to:
*The University of Tasmania and the City of Launceston for their ongoing support.
*Southern Cross Television and the Examiner Newspaper also continue to support the project through media partnership.
*St.Lukes Health have also provided much needed sponsorship over the years.

They are also truly thankful for the financial support of The Tasmanian State Government over the last eight years and believe the partnership has contributed strongly to preventative health outcomes in our community. Sadly however they have been unsuccessful in securing funding from the Tasmanian Government for 2016 and beyond.

Give a warm fuzzy!

You've done something awesome! In addition to the warm fuzzy feeling, your $10 donation will provide you an electronic voucher that you can dedicate to a friend for Christmas. Of course they may want to attend one of our programs but they're free anyway, the personalised voucher is just making a local community contribution in their name. It's a little thing but it helps the community in many ways. Be a big picture gift giver!

14 chosen / 486 available

Est. delivery is Dec 15

Good Karma card!

You'll receive by email a printable personalised voucher that shows someone special how awesome you are for giving them a gift that had this donation attached. They'll think you're super awesome, and if you're a business why not buy some for your clients - you'll be supporting the local economy and social outcomes! Let's roll!

6 chosen / 994 available

Est. delivery is Dec 15

Bullseye!

You're right on target! We'll send you the karma voucher to type a personalised message for someone; and give you a shout out on social media as an Active supporter (either you personally or your business). You can then forward that image to your own social media friends to show your support for Active Launceston. People will think you're pretty amazing! Which you are of course!

8 chosen / 92 available

Est. delivery is Dec 15

The Active-ator!

This is a great investment in our state's healthy future - you'll likely feel better just by doing this! We'll: *send you a certificate of thanks for you or your business *send a graphic for social media specifically acknowledging you as an 'Active-ator' of healthy communities *your logo will appear on our website *you can provide promotional merchandise to be shared at a program (signage, stress balls, note pads etc) *tell how awesome your business is at at least one session in every program.

2 chosen / 18 available

Est. delivery is Dec 15

Wink wink, nudge nudge

Just remember that preventative health activities such as this one are an investment in our state's future health system. It helps all of us. But you can have these direct benefits... *A session of an Active Launceston program named after you! *A printed certificate of thanks *Sharing of the photos from your session on Active social media *Logo on Active Launceston website and TV *Your team is always welcome to join in. *Give away your promotional merchandise to attendees (caps, notepads etc)

0 chosen / 10 available

Est. delivery is Dec 15

The Life Changer...

A life changing program will be named in your honour! *Your name on Active radio ads and logo on TV, web and print *Social media shout outs *Your signage can be displayed at the sessions and get photos of the event for your use *Promote an offer from your business *An awesome framed certificate *As much inclusion in the program as your business might like to have including bringing your staff or clients to a special session. We'd be in touch to tailor a partnership that's a win-win-win.

0 chosen / 5 available

Est. delivery is Dec 15

The Active Champion

You get all the rewards and you'll be included as a partner on all communications and advertising. We'll rave about you on social media and in real life too! There'll be an official announcement on this partnership and 3 programs will be named after you (it's better than 3 of the $5000 levels but for the cost of 2)! We'll personally be in touch to discuss which programs fit best with your audiences. Are you ready to be a Champion for Tasmania's healthy future?

0 chosen / 2 available

Est. delivery is Dec 15