Background
Participatory community-based systems approaches allow a diverse range of community leaders and members to create a shared systems map reflecting their understanding of the drivers of an issue in their community; and consequently developing and resourcing their own strategies and actions to influence these factors in the context of existing systems.
Aim
This community-based systems approach is currently being implemented across the Great South Coast, regional Victoria. We will present case studies regarding some key actions in two communities, GenR8Change and SEA Change Portland.
Methods
Group Model Building (GMB) occurred and the creation of a systems map representing the key drivers of childhood obesity in the area. In the third GMB session, participants were asked to nominate which themed areas they were interested in being involved in. Subsequently, tasks teams met independently and mapped out actions.
Results
Community action includes focusing on changing policy, infrastructure, environmental surroundings, particular settings or community groups, behaviour change, education, events, sponsorship and community engagement activities.
Key case studies and the process of implementation in the community will be discussed including:
the creation of community policies such as a water only policy at the local basketball stadium, and leisure and aquatic centre; promotion of walking to school; healthy catering policies in workplaces; healthy school lunch order policies; healthy beverage policy at family day cares. These policies are a sustainable way to improve the health of children and the wider community and have been driven by the community.
Conclusion
Community action that is identified, managed and delivered by community members provides a great model for ownership, empowerment and sustainability. Case studies will provide other communities knowledge about key actions to tackle childhood obesity. Evaluation data collected in 2019 will reveal the effectiveness of these actions on childhood obesity and related health and physical activity-related behaviours.