Since the beginning of this year the BEAM — All Abilities, All Inclusive Movement to Music program has been operating in Echuca-Moama and organisers have seen numbers slowly rising.
The all-inclusive program began in Bendigo three years ago with Echuca’s Amy Whitten one of the founding members.
‘‘I was in my final year of studying occupational therapy and myself and two other mums wanted to start something that is inclusive of everyone regardless of age or ability,’’ she said.
‘‘Being Echuca born and bred I wanted to bring the program to the area and this year I was able to.’’
The BEAM program is designed around neuromotor exercise techniques, simply put, it improves co-ordination and motor patterns.
And there are other benefits, including the friendships participants form.
‘‘We call it incidental therapy, we work on physical fitness and social wellbeing. We try to make it as individualised as possible and focus on goals, whether it’s making friends or improving balance,’’ Amy said.
‘‘And Lachlan and Elijah are prime examples of making friends because they didn’t know each other beforehand.’’
Currently, the program has one group of six children and a more sensitive group of two — Lachlan and Elijah.
From two children who may have otherwise withdrawn from activities due to being overwhelmed, the duo were off exploring and interacting together after their photo opportunity.
‘‘Our program is slowly growing and they’re such a great group of kids. It’s going really well and the parents tell me the kids love coming,’’ Amy said.
‘‘They’re great listeners and learners.’’
The not-for-profit program is supported by a number of organisations and grants in Bendigo and in Moama is supported by Echuca-Moama Cycling Club, Murray River Council and Nestle Tongala, who recently gave a $12,500 grant for the program.
‘‘We try to keep costs as low as possible so we rely on a few grants to cover the cost of insurance and buy props for classes,’’ Amy said.
‘‘Other grants mean we can invest more into making sure what we do is evidence-based for learning.
‘‘I’m hoping to grow the program and we can do adult classes too.’’
The BEAM program runs once a week during term on a Monday afternoon at the Echuca-Moama Cycling Club.
For information, email admin@beam-oz.com.au
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