Stable Wellbeing Program

The innovative and successful Stable Wellbeing Program aims to improve support mechanisms for stable employees, track riders and trainers at Caulfield and Mornington Racecourses to better access mental and other health and health services and strategies. The co-designed project is a collaboration between Melbourne Racing Club Foundation (MRCF) and Link Health and Community (now part of Latrobe Community Health Service).

Behind the glamour and history of the racing industry is a community of dedicated staff working long split shifts in the stables. This is the first intensive health promotion initiative to focus on and co-design initiatives with stable staff to target this community. This community face population health issues including: fatigue, drug, alcohol and gambling addictions, bullying, physical injury and more. Due to complexities of their employment and the industry, accessing services to support their health issues is problematic, meaning that they often do not interact with health and support programs until a problem becomes extreme.

The Program used a social determinants of health (SDH) framework to co-design prevention, early intervention, capacity building and advocacy strategies, including a “Champion” program. The Program is estimated to have reached more than 1000 people since its inception and has increased the understanding and capacity for individuals from this community to engage with health and support sectors.

“Absolutely, staff feel more supported as they have an avenue to go to if times are tough. It’s brought people together, in like a little community sense.” Stable Wellbeing Champion.

Organisation: Link Health & Community

Contact: chardwick@linkhc.org.au