In a life threatening emergency dial Triple Zero (000)

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School Kid’s Intervention Program (SKIP) is a free service for families with children aged 4 to 12 years who are overweight or obese.

About this service

Our goal is to help your family to be as healthy as it can be. We will work with you to help improve your health and wellbeing.

School Kid’s Intervention Program is a 12-month program. During this time you will be offered monthly appointments with a dietitian and exercise physiologist to help support your family’s goals.

Our focus is not on your child’s weight but their overall health and wellbeing.

We can also refer you to our visiting paediatric doctor if needed.

Who we care for

School Kid’s Intervention Program welcomes families with children aged 4 to 12 years who have been diagnosed as overweight or obese by a medical doctor or other health professional.

School Kid’s Intervention Program is not suitable for children with:

  • a psychological illness that impacts their ability to participate in the program
  • binge eating and purging through vomiting, laxatives or excessive exercise.

School Kid’s Intervention Program is available to families living in ACT and surrounding NSW, eg, Queanbeyan.

SKIP is free if your child has a Medicare Card.

How to access this service

You will need a referral from your GP or other health professional such as a paediatrician, dietitian or school nurse.

You or your health professional can speak with the School Kid’s Intervention Program Coordinator on (02) 5124 1402 or SKIP@act.gov.au

What to expect

We will send a letter to your referring doctor or health professional when we receive the referral. We will also contact you to talk about the Program. You may be offered an appointment with a dietitian in the Women, Youth and Children Community Nutrition team while you wait for an appointment.

Your first appointment will be with the program Coordinator who will talk with you about your family’s needs, goals and expectations. This is so we can tailor the service to you and your family.

After this, we will book monthly appointments with a dietitian and exercise physiologist. Children are not expected to attend all appointments.

You will need to attend some appointments in person, we will let you know when these are. Other appointments can be provided over the phone if you prefer.

At the end of 12 months, we will talk with you about how we can help your family continue with your health goals. We will also check in with you 3 and 6 months after your family has finished in the Program.

What to bring to your appointment

  • Any letters or correspondence from your GP
  • List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
  • Your child’s personal health record (Blue Book)
  • Any measurements you may have of your child’s growth.

Where we’re located

Belconnen Community Health Centre, Level 3.

We have directions and transport information for this service.

Information for referrers

Please see Community HealthPathways for detailed referral criteria and information.

Please use our SKIP referral form (PDF, 1527.02 KB).

Referral options:

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In the case of a life threatening emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).

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Contact us

Switchboard Canberra Hospital
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

Switchboard North Canberra Hospital
(02) 6201 6111

International callers
+61 (2) 6201 6111

Switchboard other hospitals and services
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

The switchboard handles all calls to, from and within the hospital 24 hours/seven days a week