The Western Bulldogs Community Foundations Daughters of the West women’s health program has kicked off for 2017.

The pilot program, designed as a sister program for the already standing Sons of the West men’s health initiative, has seen over 250 participants sign up – reaching capacity for its inaugural year.

This year’s program will cover issues related directly to common health inequalities noticed within women living in Victoria’s west, including mental health, respectful relationships and physical activity.

Kicking off last week with an orientation session, participants were given a taste of what they can expect from the 8-week long program.

Hearing from Victoria University Psychologists, participants will learn about their own mental health capabilities, as well as how to cope with the mental fitness of others, during week two of the program.

Week three of the program will see local dietitians from CoHealth, Ballarat Community Health Services, IPC Health and Djerriwarrh Health Services, work alongside participants in the Let’s Talk Food session.

At the halfway mark of the program, participants will enjoy a cooking masterclass alongside Sons of the West dieticians. 

Sons of the West exercise physiologists will visit participants during week five for the Let’s Get Active session, focussing on physical activity.

Women’s Health West and Central Highlands Integrated Family Violence Committee will direct sessions during week six of the program with a focus placed upon communication and respectful relationships.

Breastscreen Victoria will provide preventative health checks during week seven of the program, allowing participants to understand the importance of receiving regular health check-ups.

Week eight in Maribyrnong and Wyndham will see The Smith Family and the SaverPlus program speak to participants about financial literacy. Whereas, Ballarat and Melton sessions will be delivered by Tweddle – focussing on parenting and family health.

Daughters of the West registrations are exhausted for the 2017 season. Stay tuned to westernbulldogs.com.au for information surrounding the 2018 program.