The GROW program is a holistic approach toward early intervention through an Aquaponics program located in the schools. Through this program the RFDS and school staff can offer students and the wider community education around Mental Health, Alcohol and Other drugs, Dietary education, improved curriculum opportunities and offering peer support to the students.
The RFDS currently operates an Alcohol and Other Drugs clinic for adults in each community as well as regular community engagement events. The GROW program will act to engage with the youth of these communities as well as a conduit toward improving access for all community members in important primary health needs as identified in the RFDS GROW Model.
We aim to provide sustainability during periods of drought to these locations as well as providing free access to Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs and Healthy lifestyle choices through dietary education through an ongoing basis.
Our community engagement officers are in regular contact with community partnerships and participate in local health promotion activity and provide education to community groups. As such we will be able to maintain the program and support the schools and partnerships within the communities to see results around wellbeing intervention and education activity.