cohealth and VU partner for healthier and more equitable communities

Victoria University (VU) and cohealth, a non-for-profit community health organisation, have formalised a partnership to create opportunities for students and improve the health and wellbeing of communities in Melbourne’s west.

As suburbs in the west continue to expand, VU and cohealth have a fundamental understanding about the need to foster a qualified, empathetic health workforce to meet the needs of ever-expanding communities. 

Both organisations have a history of supporting, contributing and finding new ways to enhance the physical and mental health of people living in the west.

With 32 locations in Victoria including Footscray, Braybrook and Laverton, cohealth model provides a new approach to healthcare by addressing both health and social inequity and treating those who seek care with respect.

Along with providing a range of community health-focused services, cohealth also develops health promotion initiatives.

“Our core values of equity and inclusivity will drive this new alliance and create significant value for the communities we serve," Deputy Vice-Chancellor External Relations and Partnerships, Wade Noonan said. 

Under this partnership, we’ve developed a strategy to create multiple pathways for VU students to gain valuable workplace experience with cohealth and grow the pipeline of skilled workers in Melbourne’s west."

cohealth Chief Executive Nicole Bartholomeusz echoed the sentiment. 

“By combining cohealth’s expertise in community health with VU’s excellence in education and research, this partnership will deliver collaborative learning experiences, impactful research and advocacy, and meaningful career pathways that will empower people to contribute to healthier, more equitable communities in Melbourne’s west, and beyond.”

The recently signed Memorandum of Understanding focused on cohealth and VU’s plans to develop a range of initiatives:

Student Engagement, including placements, internships, or volunteering opportunities across many fields, including Psychology, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Midwifery, Youth Work, Speech Pathology, Social Work, Dietetics, Business, Law, IT, Disability and Community Services.

Workforce Development, create graduate and employment pathways for VU students, as well as professional development and teaching opportunities for cohealth staff. 

Research and Academic work to be undertaken by cohealth staff in collaboration with VU Researchers, focusing on areas including public health, policy, and healthcare sustainability.