Research and
Making our communities safer through sport
An evaluation of We ’ re Game , a project about making sport safer and more welcoming for women and girls , has shown we are off to a great start .
Fawkner residents celebrated International Women ’ s Day and inclusive sports .
We ’ re Game is a Merri Health project that supports sport settings to prevent gender-based violence and be more inclusive of women and girls who want to be active .
The evaluation was done by our research partner , RMIT . It shows that the We ’ re Game project has led to positive changes in the way sports settings engage women and girls .
We worked with Merri-bek Council , YMCA , Tennis Victoria and Women ’ s Health in the North to engage staff , volunteers and community members from local leisure centres and public pools , and four local sports clubs .
Together , we co-designed action plans to ensure the settings are as safe and welcoming as possible . Having more women in leadership , more inclusive messaging and better facilities are some positive changes the centres , clubs and pools can make .
Safer spaces and more respectful relationships in our community mean that more people can enjoy the physical and social benefits of sports and active leisure . Score !
visit our website to learn more .
Growing great ideas in Merri-bek
A recent evaluation of The Great Idea Program shows that it ’ s a great way to grow confidence , selfesteem , friendships and great ideas !
Since 2018 , the Great Idea Program has supported community leadership by offering small grants , guidance , and mentorship to help bring ideas to life .
6 . | MerriNews September – - October 2024
During the evaluation , we also learned that :
58 % of people were able to continue their project after taking part in the program
71 % of those projects are still going , including one that started in 2019
89 % of people still use the skills they developed during the program
100 % pursued work , training or volunteering opportunities after taking part in the program
33 % have since worked or volunteered with Hume or Merri-bek Council
22 % have started independent businesses that relate to their great idea
72 % said communication with and support from Merri Health was a highlight of their experience
The evaluation of 18 participants from 2018-2023 was conducted by a Deakin University student between March and May 2024 .
visit our website to find out more .