Active In-Betweens

The Global Goals

For Sustainable Development

Overview

Active In-Betweens (AIB) is a free weekly after-school activity where children learn about active living and healthy eating among other skills which contribute to good health, resilience and positive self-esteem. The program targets children aged 8-12 yrs from communities considered vulnerable and disadvantaged and is funded from a variety of sources when successful grant applications are obtained.

AIB is facilitated by a team of trained Health Promotion Officers and volunteers, with sessions held weekly at local community centres, providing a safe, supportive space for children. It is place-based and trauma-informed, tailored to the needs of each community it serves, with a flexible structure that encourages leadership and social engagement.

Healthy Cities Australia commits to the provision of safe and friendly environments for children and young people and we adhere to the Office of Children’s Guardians Child Safe Standards. Click here to read our commitment to child safety.

Aim

AIB was developed to address the increasing need for accessible after-school programs in areas of socio-economic disadvantage, where children face higher likelihood of physical inactivity, food insecurity, and social isolation. The program is grounded in evidence regarding physical activity and social engagement as protective factors for physical, mental, and emotional health in children. By providing children with a sense of belonging, access to fun, structured and un structured (child led) activities, positive role models, and healthy meals, we can foster long-term improvements in health and social well-being.

Objectives

Active in-Betweens provides opportunities for children to:

• Increase physical activity levels, especially in outdoor natural environments.
• Improve knowledge of and engagement with healthy eating practices.
• Strengthen social and community connections.
• Enhance emotional resilience and leadership skills.
• Promote long-term health and well-being outcomes for individuals and communities.

Social Impact

Every $1 invested by HCA

$1

returns $6 in social and economic value

$6

How it works

Active In-Betweens is a place-based program with strong community partnerships promoting intersectoral collaboration. Place-based refers to the pre-condition that children who attend the program are residents of that community – it’s about connection and growing the social capital of communities.

The program operates for 9 weeks every school term, with one 1.5-hour session each week. Currently the AIB is being implemented in 5 local communities with each group session hosting between 10-30 children, allowing for small and large groups interactions. The program is delivered at various community centres across the Illawarra region with the focus on areas with higher socio-economic disadvantage, ensuring accessibility for children from different communities.

HCA’s Health Promotion Officers are trained in trauma-informed practices and community development, ensuring they can support the emotional and physical needs of the children. Our volunteers also receive training in leadership and facilitation, focusing on promoting positive role modelling and active participation.

AIB is currently run at:

• Monday 3-4.30pm Albion Park Rail Community Centre
• Tuesday 3-4.30pm Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre
• Wednesday 3-4.30pm Bundaleer Community Centre, Warrawong
• Thursday 3-4.30pm Horsley Community Centre
• Thursday 3.4.30pm Warilla Neighbourhood Centre

Watch

Testimonial

“I love coming to Active In-Betweens because I get to run and play with my friends, the teachers make me laugh and we always do something different. I learnt how to cook a bit at home. I never tried peas or sushi before and now I love them!”

10 yr old participant, Albion Park Rail