Sports Focus is a Regional Sports Assembly established in 1983 to provide better support to sporting clubs in Central Victoria. This non-profit organisation supports and empowers sporting clubs to be more safe, inclusive and welcoming spaces for the broader community to enjoy sport and active recreation.

Benefit Bendigo funding provided Sports Focus with the opportunity to partner with Treehouse Paediatrics a local, autistic-led paediatric allied health service, to deliver three workshops to coaches, volunteers and parents that are involved in children’s community sport across Greater Bendigo.

The workshops and resources were developed through a neuro-affirming, co-design process. By building understanding and practical strategies to support neurodivergent children, the projects aim was to create more inclusive community sporting opportunities and environments that promote active living, mental wellbeing and a stronger sense of belonging and connection. Workshops provided opportunities to strengthen inclusion at the community level, thereby increasing participation, enhancing wellbeing and advancing health equity for neurodivergent children and their families.

Head to the Spots Focus website to find t how they support sport and recreation across the Greater Bendigo region.