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Influencing policy

VicHealth contributes to government policy in a range of ways, including through research partnerships that enhance or build the evidence base, strategic advice and the provision of support across all of our strategic imperatives.

09 Nov 2018

Encouraging regular physical activity

Regular physical activity is a key factor in promoting good health and preventing chronic disease. VicHealth has focused its support of sports organisations so that they are better able to promote good health, while also tackling barriers to sport participation, especially for women.

Preventing harm from alcohol

Alcohol is second only to tobacco as a preventable cause of death and hospitalisation. VicHealth works to build better attitudes, social norms and behaviours through social marketing, community engagement and partnerships.

Preventing tobacco use

VicHealth was founded with the objective of ending smoking-related illnesses and we continue to work with our partners to achieve the aim of preventing tobacco use.

Knowledge for health

One of the key strengths of VicHealth lies in its ability to communicate research findings directly to policy-makers and health promotion practitioners, and this is backed up a by a rigorous evaluation of the design and delivery of all VicHealth investments.

Healthy communities

VicHealth’s Healthy communities integrated theme supports our role in creating supportive places where people live, learn, work and play to improve health outcomes for all Victorians.

Gender

The Victorian Government released its gender equality strategy, Safe and Strong, in 2016, outlining its commitment to a Gender Equality Act and creating a new prevention agency. VicHealth continues to share its experience and knowledge to support the development of these initiatives with the adoption of gender as one of our three priorities, providing a broader commitment to address the drivers of family violence.

Community

The Community Activation Program was a VicHealth initiative that aimed to assist less active people to become more active. We partnered with five Victorian councils to create and ‘activate’ under-used public spaces within local communities, increasing access to opportunities for physical activity and social connection. Our evaluation found positive shifts in activity levels for many participants.

Health Equity

As part of VicHealth’s Elevate program – seeking to transform the drivers of health inequity by working with community – the VicHealth Community Challenge: Latrobe Valley called on the community to share their ideas on how to generate more jobs in the region.

Youth

In a rapidly changing world characterised by decreasing job security, globalisation, technology, cultural diversity and over-exposure to the internet, young people are increasingly required to be skilled, digitally connected, resilient and adaptable.

Innovation

Innovation is a core part of VicHealth, embedded in our operating model, organisational structure, processes and reporting, funding criteria, and systems.

Promoting healthy eating

More people choosing water and healthy food options.