Flinders University has announced the launch of The Embrace Impact Lab, a pioneering research initiative designed to assist young Australians and their families in addressing body image concerns. This significant initiative supports the nationwide campaign spearheaded by 2023 Australian of the Year, Taryn Brumfitt.
The lab, under the leadership of body image researcher Associate Professor Ivanka Prichard, functions as the research division of The Embrace Collective, a national charity. The organisation’s primary goal is to communicate its ‘embrace every body’ message to over a million Australian children through educational programs in schools, sports arenas, and the broader community.
Their outreach extends through The Embrace Kids Classroom Program, along with other initiatives, offering evidence-driven, age-suitable programs that promote body appreciation among the youth. Furthermore, it provides crucial education for parents, educators, and other professionals who have the ability to positively influence and impact young lives.
This development at Flinders University came on the heels of the Albanese Government announcing a $6.2 million funding package for The Embrace Collective. This package will support the development and execution of nine major programs during 2023-2024 and includes funding for an independent evaluation of these programs to be undertaken by the new lab.
The Embrace Impact Lab aims to promote collaboration between multidisciplinary specialists that can impact body image policy and the health and well-being of all ages by facilitating a swift conversion of research evidence into practical applications and addressing pressing gaps in research.
Three notable South Australian charities—Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation, Chris McDermott’s Little Heroes Foundation, and the Flinders Foundation—have all pledged their support for the roll-out of the Embrace Kids Classroom Program and its subsequent evaluation.
Associate Professor Prichard has expressed her enthusiasm.
‘I’ve worked in body image research for the last 20 years, and this partnership is a really exciting step forward in the way that researchers can work with organisations and the community to ensure that the latest research findings translate into real-world impact.’
‘It also means that the lab will be able to target key issues for society as they come up and provide the most up-to-date evidence back to The Embrace Collective to inform the policy changes they advocate for.’
Echoing her sentiments, Taryn Brumfitt emphasised the urgency and importance of this initiative, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a spike in body image distress and eating disorders.
‘For decades, researchers around the world have been working tirelessly to stem the tide of body image issues and eating disorders,’ says Taryn. ‘There is so much great research that has been done in the body image space, but too much of it sits on a shelf gathering dust—we need to get these incredible insights and solutions out there!’
International body image specialist Dr Zali Yager emphasised the lab’s role in ensuring solid research foundations for these innovative programs.
‘The Embrace Impact Lab provides a complete translational research loop—through close collaboration, we can ensure that we have solid research behind these innovative programs and resources, and work together to create new knowledge that can inform changes to policy and practice,’ says Dr Yager.
‘This is all about making sure that the best, evidence-based programs that have been proven to be effective are actually accessible to young people, as well as the people in the home, sports and school settings who support young people and their well-being.’
Chris McDermott, CEO of Little Heroes Foundation, stressed that every child warrants the best care.
‘With so many kids struggling with their mental health and body image, Little Heroes Foundation considers the introduction of The Embrace Kids Classroom Program and The Embrace Impact Lab a big step toward ensuring their physical and mental well-being. Our investment in the development of the school program will support the mission to reach one million school children and teach them to appreciate their bodies,’ says Mr McDermott.
Ross Verschoor, Executive Director of Flinders Foundation, expresses their commitment to helping South Australian children get the best start in life so they can realise their full potential as healthy, happy adults.
‘Flinders Foundation recognises the urgent need to help Australian children embrace their body image and overcome the issues which negatively affect their physical health and mental well-being. That’s why we’re proud to work together with Flinders University researchers and The Embrace Collective.’
John Mannion, CEO of Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation, also highlighted the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among youth. ‘Eating disorders and the mental health of our youth are key focus areas for Breakthrough,’ says Mr Mannion. ‘The need for a collaborative approach is also paramount in these areas, which is why we proudly support The Embrace Kids Classroom Program and The Embrace Impact Lab.’
Read more about The Embrace Collective and its initiatives here.
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