Make long-term lifestyle changes, within a culturally safe environment, at your own PACE
Sonder announces the launch of PACE, Physical Activity and Community Engagement – a new group exercise and nutrition program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The innovative new program is funded by the Department of Health and creates opportunities for community members to get involved in exercise in a fun, social environment.
The groups are led by highly skilled Aboriginal Program Facilitators, who are also qualified and experienced personal trainers. The Facilitators will guide group members through an 8 week program to increase their knowledge and confidence in exercise and nutrition.
Group members will even be able to access extra support after the program finishes to ensure their new healthy habits are integrated into their everyday lives.
Our Aboriginal Program Facilitators will work alongside group members to design the program activities to ensure exercise sessions are enjoyable and meet everyone’s needs” said Elsie Patterson, Sonder Health Promotions Coordinator.
“Sessions could be indoors in a gym or outside in a park and could include exercises like lifting weights, walking or doing yoga” she added.
PACE Aboriginal Program Facilitator, Rikki Wilson is looking forward to inspiring community members to get involved in the program.
“When we talk about healthy lifestyles we often think exercise, clean eating, gyms or running. For me, a healthy lifestyle is the whole picture. It’s what you think of yourself, it’s the people and environments you choose to be surrounded by, it’s about believing in yourself and believing that you deserve to live healthy and happy.”
“The PACE program aligns really well with our intent to meet people early in their health journey and to help them to help themselves in a way that allows people to live well and change their health behaviour at their own pace,” said Sageran Naidoo, Sonder CEO.
Eligibility
To be eligible for PACE, clients must:
- Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander;
- Be aged 18 years or over and;
- Live in the council areas of Playford, Salisbury, Tea Tree Gully, Port Adelaide Enfield, Charles Sturt, West Torrens, Holdfast Bay, Marion, Mitcham or Onkaparinga.
How to access the service
To refer yourself into the program, complete the online referral form, available from our website sonder.net.au/PACE
Alternatively, a health professional can complete the referral form for you, on your behalf.
To learn more about the program, visit sonder.net.au/PACE or call (08) 8209 0700 to chat to one of Sonder’s friendly team members.