Taupo - Exercise on Prescription (EoP)
EOP was developed in partnership – partner perspectives
In 2004 a range of stakeholders met to identify why SPARC’s Green Prescription (GRx) health initiative in Taupo was not achieving the level of success evident in other parts of the Waikato region. One of the conclusions was that clients would be more inclined to take up the programme if they had more structured support. In response to this, EoP was developed.
Partners and investors in the programme were Taupo District Council, Lake Taupo PHO, Sport Waikato and SPARC. Lake Taupo PHO contributed one 0.5 FTE EoP instructors and Sport Waikato contributed in-kind with administration support and management of the programme. SPARC invested $155,000 over three years through Active Communities.
Taupo District Council
EoP goals are closely aligned with Taupo District Council’s Sport and Recreation Strategy, part of which is about accessibility. The programme also linked in with a range of community outcomes for the Council such as, healthier and stronger communities. Taupo District Council administered the programme and provided free access to sport and recreation facilities for EoP participants, both during the programme and beyond. Former EoP coordinator, Thunes Cloete, found that Taupo District Council colleagues had a positive view of the programme. “They were happy to be part of the project because it is an innovative approach to core Council business, and has been seen as generating significant good will in the community”.
Lake Taupo PHO
The Lake Taupo PHO were enthusiastic supporters of EoP because it complimented many of the PHO’s clinical initiatives by providing simple yet vital interventions for PHO patients. In particular, many people with diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other chronic health conditions have benefited. PHO involvement was also crucial in bringing local GPs on-board with EoP. GPs recognise the role of PHOs in their core business, while the relationship between Councils and GPs was not as well established.
Sport Waikato
Sport Waikato, who manage the Active and Well programme, have a mandate to promote and foster participation in sport and active living across the greater Waikato and they bring the necessary expertise and advice around sport and physical activity to the programme.
SPARC
SPARC’s role in the development of this project has been to provide advice and support to the project partners, to assist in achievement of the identified project outcomes.
Updated | 09 Jul 2008.
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