Migrant youth set foot in Perth Hills thanks to Community Wellbeing Grants
The beautiful thing about hiking is that it’s truly an activity that everyone can do. So, taking newly arrived refugee and migrant youths hiking to explore unknown surroundings, and connect them with others, is a journey the First Hike Project delivers.
22 Nov 2021
The First Hike Project provides newly arrived residents, who are restarting their lives in Western Australia, with the opportunity to participate in an all-expenses paid, overnight hiking and camping adventure.
The project’s autumn 2021 season was supported by St John of God Midland Private Hospital’s Community Wellbeing Grants, allowing two groups of 15 participants to be introduced to the wonders of the West Australian bush along the Bibbulmun Track.
Participants were given all the gear and provisions they needed for their adventure. They spotted local wildlife including kangaroos, listened to the birds and experienced their very first night in the West Australian bush.
Neil McCulloch, Director of the First Hike Project, said there are so many benefits from being physically active outdoors, ranging from increased physical wellbeing to a natural mental health recharge.
“Participants are surrounded by enthusiastic and empathic volunteer guides, ensuring everyone feels included and welcomed in their new home here in WA,” he said.
The longer term impact of what the First Hike Project does is demonstrated in the actions of previous participants – their individual contribution to their local community is valid and needed.
St John of God Midland Private Hospital’s Community Wellbeing Grants program aims to support local not for profit groups, who work to improve the health and wellbeing of the community and is offered every two years, with the next round of submissions expected to be open in mid-2022.