USC researchers Lisa Fraser, Fiona Pelly and Chris Askew have recently received a A$47,800 grant from the Queensland Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation to further develop their effective health program for mature age job seekers.
The program is designed to address negative health consequences of prolonged unemployment and to enhance self-esteem and job seeking skills.
Although originally restricted to men, with the new funding, the program will be extended to include both men and women and will allow them access to professionally supervised exercise facilities free of charge on completion of the program.
Men and women between the ages of 45 and 64 years, who have been unemployed for a period of 12 months or more, are eligible to participate.
The program includes health testing, a health program tailored to each participant's needs, and information seminars on topics such as stress management and recovering personal identity.
The highly-qualified research team has a range of practical skills and experience. Fiona Pelly is an accredited practising dietician specialising in sports and exercise nutrition. Lisa Fraser is a practising registered psychologist with extensive experience working with unemployed people. Chris Askew is a specialist in clinical exercise physiology, with extensive experience in projects in the area of exercise and health.
The project has the support of the National Seniors Productive Ageing Centre and WorkDirections Australia.
If you are interested in participating in this project, contact Lisa Fraser on +61 7 5459 4638 or lfraser@usc.edu.au.