Health Promotion recognises that healthy people are able to reach their full potential physically, mentally and socially. Therefore, good health is not just about “not being sick” or physically unwell. Good health is about the whole person being in supportive environments such as the family, local community, and the physical and economic environments.

Health promotion work encourages community participation to address the social, emotional and physical factors that influence their health and wellbeing. The work also includes actions that ensure that the economic and environmental conditions are as good as they can be to help people reach their full potential.

Inner East Community Health Service (IECHS) is committed to health promotion. Health promotion forms one of the five strategic areas in the Organisational Strategic Plan. Working with local community members and agencies, IECHS has developed a three year health promotion plan (2006-09) that works on many levels with individuals up to community populations within identified areas of need in Boroondara. The follow priority areas and populations have been identified:

  • Healthy weight in primary school and kinder children in the Ashburton neighbourhood renewal area.
  • Mental health and wellbeing of homeless people living in boarding houses in Hawthorn and Kew.
  • Mental health and wellbeing of public housing residents in the Ashburton neighbourhood renewal area.

To find out more about health promotion contact the Team Leader Health Promotion and Projects on (03) 9810 3090, or read the IECHS Health Promotion Plan 06/09.