MOVE TO IMPROVE: EMPOWERING KIDS TO REACH NEW HEIGHTS
Meet Yumna (12), Stellar (8), Flynn (10) and Callum (17) — some of the kids taking part in Move to Improve at Perth Children’s Hospital.
In January, these four inspiring kids shared their progress, showing how the innovative eight-week program is helping them smash their personal movement goals and improve both physical and mental health.
Move to Improve is an Australian-first research initiative at Perth Children’s Hospital, designed for children with long-term health conditions, including type 1 diabetes, cancer, post-burn injuries, and cerebral palsy. The program is made possible through the generous support of Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF), the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, and Principal Partner Mineral Resources Limited via Telethon7.
Through Move to Improve, kids, teens, and their families collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of experts, including an exercise physiologist, physiotherapists, psychologists, dietitians, and nurses, to create a tailored physical activity program to help reach their specific goals.
“Move to Improve is a really unique and exciting project that brings a team of clinical experts together to fill a gap that’s never been filled before to support children with a chronic condition and their family address some potential hurdles of that condition,” said Professor Liz Davis, co-director of the program.
After completing the eight-week program, participants take part in follow-up sessions with the Move to Improve team to track continued progress and celebrate improvements in both mental and physical health.
Yumna, born with cerebral palsy, was one of the program’s first participants and has reached new physical milestones, including climbing playground equipment, taking part in school running races, and discovering a passion for cricket.
“I feel a lot more excited, I feel so much more confident. I feel like I can do this,” said Yumna.
Move to Improve is now enrolling children aged 5 to 17 with chronic conditions. To get involved, email: MovetoImprove@health.wa.gov.au
Together, these kids are proving that with the right support, physical activity can make a world of difference, helping them lead happier, healthier lives.
“I feel a lot more excited, I feel so much more confident. I feel like I can do this.” — Yumna
Pictured top. Back row: Alex Harper FCCA, Annie George, Prof. Jane Valentine, Dr Denitza Mironova, Prof. Liz Davis, Emma Hall, Emily Davey, Georgia Stewart. Front row: Dr Gervase Chaney, Diane Lim, Yumna, Stellar, Flynn, Callum, Kasey Sandstrom
Photo credit - Kylie Plunkett
Published: February 2025