The Y roll out new body image training program through innovative partnership with The Embrace Collective

YMCA Victoria will introduce body image training for its early learning and outside school hours care (OSHC) teams through a partnership with The Embrace Collective. Announced on 4 November, the partnership focuses on how adults talk with children about food, movement and their bodies.

Katie Adams, General Manager Children and Youth Programs, said the training would support conversations already happening across the Y’s services. “Our early learning educators and OSHC teams talk with children about food, movement and bodies every day. What they say stays with those children.”

The Embrace Collective co-founder Taryn Brumfitt said children encountered messages about bodies across different settings. “Children don't learn how to feel about their bodies from one person or in one place,” she said.

“This training gives our teams the research behind those conversations and the words to get them right,” Ms Adams said. “We want every child who comes to the Y to feel good about what their body can do.”

Different resources for early learning and OSHC settings

Early learning educators will complete Body Blocks through Y Academy, the organisation’s online learning platform. Designed for educators working with children from birth to eight, it comprises seven short, self-paced video modules and a workbook.

The program focuses on supporting positive relationships with food, movement and bodies, and is aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework. OSHC staff will have access to the Embrace Kids Teacher Masterclass, which provides guidance on language to use and avoid when discussing bodies, food and weight.

Families will also receive free Embrace magazines through the Y’s early learning and recreation centres, with a focus on communities experiencing greater disadvantage. The partnership aims to support consistent messages between services and home.

About The Embrace Collective

The Embrace Collective is a health promotion charity co-founded by 2023 Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt and body image researcher Dr Zali Yager. Its work includes education programs and resources for children and the adults who support them.

The charity develops its programs with researchers, educators and people with lived experience. Dr Yager said the partnership would bring that work to staff who interact with children across early learning, OSHC and recreation settings.

The resources are also available beyond the YMCA Victoria partnership. Australian educators can access Body Blocks free of charge, while the Embrace Kids Teacher Masterclass is also freely available, according to The Embrace Collective.