The University of Queensland (UQ) is starting a new physical activity support program for DVA clients called Active Choices. The program is funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and aims to help DVA clients become more physically active and socially connected within their local community.
The UQ team is currently offering Active Choices to DVA clients who are interested in getting help to manage their physical activity. The program may also benefit DVA clients seeking to reconnect with their local communities following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
Why get involved?
- Clients will receive a free, 12-week behavioural support program.
- Financial support over a 24-week period for clients to access the physical activities they’d like to try.
- Involvement in the program will help inform future initiatives that benefit the health and wellbeing of the veteran community.
- The program can be accessed in addition to DVA-funded treatment provided by exercise physiologists and physiotherapists, and may add to the benefits received through treatment.
What’s involved?
- Clients will attend 4x1-hour consultations at UQ St Lucia over a 24-week period.
- During consultations, the UQ team will provide resources that link clients to local opportunities for their physical activity choices, help clients develop an action plan to stay active, and provide educational materials to support clients in managing their physical activity.
- The UQ team will ask client’s permission to collect information on their physical activity, health and well-being during consultations, so they can evaluate whether Active Choices has been helpful.
Who can get involved?
- DVA White or Gold card holders living in the Brisbane region, and receiving treatment from an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist.
- Clients who’ve been assessed by their exercise physiologist or physiotherapist as being able to safely perform physical activity without supervision, and who don’t have complex conditions that require specialist treatment under the supervision of a health professional.
- Clients who aren’t already participating in a DVA-funded physical activity program, like Heart Health.
- The UQ team and your health professional will help you determine whether you are eligible for the Active Choices program, should you be interested.
What next?
If you’d like to participate in the Active Choices program, or want to find out more about it, you can contact the Senior Research Assistant, Dr Zoe Papinczak, either by email z.papinczak@uq.edu.au or telephone 0400 178 412.