Newcastle wellness warrior Lloyd Valentine launches the Healthy Change Village and appeals to health professionals to use it to help clients

The former Newcastle Business Club youth award recipient has launched the Healthy Change Village (HCV) as a one-stop wellness portal because he believes there is a need for tailor-made online programs for people of all ages, intellectual and physical abilities, and their support networks.

"We're part of a movement that focuses on people's abilities, not disabilities," he said.

There are many online health and fitness support options, but he sees a need for the cohesive "Village" umbrella which gives accessible, professional help in areas such as fitness and cooking.

"There are more vulnerable people than ever who are unsupported at the moment during COVID," Mr Lloyd, 37, said. "Many service providers are not set up for online support and if they are, most of the support provided through support workers is done in a supervision style, not as capacity building."

The HCV platform has 19 video presenters and collaborators (mostly Hunter-based qualified health professionals) as well as Paralympians, the Black Dog institute and That Sugar Movement. The videos include wheelchair accessible activities, have subtitles and go through a strict approval and difficulty grading process by qualified coaches.

The new platform is an extension of the Healthy Change Challenge, a community-engaging program which Mr Valentine founded in 2016. He began volunteering in the disability sector when he was recovering from serious health issues and saw a gap in program delivery.

The Healthy Change Challenge is an NDIS provider however "The Village" is a non-NDIS project to ensure those without NDIS funding and living in rural and remote areas have free and unrestricted access to the video content. Plan and self-managed NDIS participants can, however, use their funding to contribute to "The Village". "We rely on voluntary contributions," Mr Valentine said.

Mr Valentine says the March lockdown provided the impetus to reach out to health professionals across Australia and work on the new online platform to essentially shift HCC online to the online Village.

Beyond helping those of ranging abilities, he believes The Village will benefit sectors including aged care and education.

"We encourage other service providers to use the programs for clients so they are building their capacity," he said. "There is something for everyone."

Mr Valentine remains driven by his belief that everyone should have access to quality health support, regardless of location and finances, particularly in a period when people have been isolated amid the pandemic.

"We hope The Village will be adopted around Australia and possibly overseas," he says.

Qualified health practitioners with experience working with people of all abilities are also encouraged to contact The Village if they are interested in becoming a video activity presenter on the website.

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