The program was developed in 2011 after the initial 1 year funding was provided toThe Bridge Youth & Family Servicesunder the Public Health Agency of Canada’s innovation strategy ‘Achieving Healthier Weights in Canada's Communities. The team at The Bridge, in consultation with a project National Advisory Committee created and developed the initial Healthy Together program. The program was piloted with 6 groups in Kelowna, BC.
The Healthy Weights for Children National Advisory Committee members represented organizations across the country. The program evolved through the initiative of individuals, families, communities and governments working together towards a common goal – to promote the achievement and maintenance of healthy weights in children
Phase 2 provided additional funding to further expend the HT program and we worked with 25 organizations across Canada to implement and evaluate the program in their communities. Following evaluation and feedback collected in the first 4 years the HT program was revised and re-modelled. The new HT toolkit was previewed in November 2016 with a full launch in Spring 2017. The new toolkit included new resources and ‘bite-sized’ learning suited to drop-in programs
Since 2017 we have been focusing on building sustainability for the program. 29 partner sites are running the programs across 8 provinces /territories. Evaluation continues to be carried out by UBCO. The Advisory Committee is working on policy level changes as a result of the HT program to advocate for healthy eating, activity and lifestyle changes at organization and community level.
In 2020 we launched the online facilitator training platform. Previously the training had only been available via in-person training workshops so the online option gives us greater reach and accessibility. Facilitators have 6 months in which to complete the training, along with access to the digital program toolkit and resources.
In fall 2022 The Bridge are handing over stewardship of the program to Families Canada. They will continue to offer the online facilitator training through their own training portal and will continue to support our facilitators with the full set of resources.
Meet your instructors
Michele Hopkins
Family Services Director The Bridge Youth & Family Service
Michele Hopkins, M.S.W R.S.W, is the mother of two young adults and has worked at The Bridge Youth & Family Services for 19 years. Michele began her social work career working in Family Centres and expanded this work to include couples and family counselling. She is an experienced facilitator offering Mental Health First Aid, Parenting through Temperament and Healthy Together training to community groups both locally and nationally. Currently Michele is the Director of Family services overseeing the youth and family programs at The Bridge.
Michele Hopkins
Family Services Director The Bridge Youth & Family Service
Michele Hopkins, M.S.W R.S.W, is the mother of two young adults and has worked at The Bridge Youth & Family Services for 19 years. Michele began her social work career working in Family Centres and expanded this work to include couples and family counselling. She is an experienced facilitator offering Mental Health First Aid, Parenting through Temperament and Healthy Together training to community groups both locally and nationally. Currently Michele is the Director of Family services overseeing the youth and family programs at The Bridge.
Laura Munoz
Healthy Together Master Trainer and e-Leaning Instructor
Laura Munoz, MSc.OT, is a Registered Occupational Therapist based in Nelson, BC where she works with children and their families through her practice, Acorn Occupational Therapy. She is passionate about supporting the families in her community and has provided many professional development workshops for early years professionals, teachers and parents as part of her work. Laura first became involved with Healthy Together as part of the research team during the pilot phase of the program.
Resources
(please click to view and download)
HT Overview Summary
1 page overview of the program, benefits and impacts
SROI Summary report
Social Return on Investment summary report, published 2020
Online Training Rack Card
Promotional Rack Card for the HT Online Facilitator Training
HT Infographic
Infographic highlighting program outcomes and benefits
