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Asthma Australia’s Breathe Better in Belconnen initiative is seeking insights from children, parents, carers, health professionals, schools, sporting clubs and community organisations to better understand the challenges faced by local families and identify opportunities to improve support for children living with asthma.
Asthma Australia CEO, Kate Miranda said asthma is one of Canberra’s most common chronic conditions and West Belconnen in particular, experiences some of the highest rates of childhood asthma in regional Australia, including the fourth highest childhood asthma hotspot.
“We know asthma is the leading cause of total disease burden for children aged 5-14 nationally, with about 400,000 children affected. With the higher rates of childhood asthma we see in Canberra, West Belconnen has been identified as a priority setting for child focused prevention and support,” said Kate Miranda.
Asthma Australia is inviting people across Belconnen to share their insights by taking part in a short survey, local pop-up conversations and targeted stakeholder sessions. The feedback will help shape practical, evidence-based recommendations for future support that is locally relevant, culturally safe and grounded in community strengths.
Kate Miranda said, “this project is about listening first. Children and families living with asthma know what works, what is missing and what would make everyday life easier. We want their voices to help shape the next steps.
“Belconnen has strong local networks, active community organisations and families who care deeply about children’s wellbeing. By bringing those voices together, we can identify practical ways to support kids to breathe better, play harder, learn confidently and live well.
“We know asthma can affect how children sleep, learn, play sport and take part in everyday life. By hearing directly from local families and the people who support them, Breathe Better in Belconnen will help identify barriers, build on local strengths and support future action that reflects the needs of the community.”
Asthma Australia believes this important community-based work can ‘shift the dial’ on asthma for children and their communities. The insights gained will help us develop strategies that better support children in Belconnen experiencing asthma and empower communities to achieve healthier and more sustainable outcomes.
How the community can get involved
Families, carers, young people, schools, sports clubs, health services and community organisations are encouraged to share their insights by:
- Completing the survey
- For under 18 years old – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BreatheBelconnenKids
- For 18 years and over – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BreatheBelconnen
- Dropping into a local pop-up conversation
- Kippax Fair Shopping Centre: 31 July 3-5pm
- Terry White Chemmart Charnwood: 4 August 10am – 12pm
- Charnwood Netball Courts: 8 August 9-11am
Join us at a pop-up and go in the draw for a $50 e-gift card.
Asthma Australia acknowledges the ACT Government’s support.
Ends
For more information
Contact: Kate Miranda, CEO, Asthma Australia
0494 660 484
ABOUT
Asthma Australia is the nation’s peak body representing nearly 2.8 million Australians living with asthma. Our work is grounded in evidence and informed by the lived experience of people with asthma. Our programs reflect a commitment to outcomes-focused, equity-driven reform, integrating community insight and clinical expertise to strengthen person centred asthma care.
