About Us
Founded in 2013, CHASE (Community Health Advancement & Student Engagement) is a youth-led, Victorian based not-for-profit that bridges the gap between health education and community impact.
We work alongside senior secondary students, to build their confidence and capability to take the lead on health issues that matter to them. Through a collaborative, hands-on learning experience, CHASE also provides aspiring health and education professionals with opportunities to apply their skills in real settings while connecting schools, community health partners, and funders in a shared commitment to improving community wellbeing.
Years
Schools
Volunteers
Students
Our Journey
CHASE began in Melbourne’s north and west, where communities experience some of Victoria’s highest rates of preventable chronic disease. Our founders, then junior doctors, saw these challenges first-hand in hospitals and recognised that treatment alone wasn’t enough. Lasting change needed began with prevention, education, and community connection.
Drawing inspiration from successful community health models overseas, they created CHASE to bring these principles into local schools and communities. Today, CHASE puts health promotion in the hands of young people, equipping them with mentorship, evidence-based learning, and a strong network of support to design and deliver meaningful health projects with their communities.
Since then, CHASE has grown from a grassroots initiative into a scalable, evidence-based program with far-reaching impact.
- Approximately 1,600 students have participated in our health and leadership program
- 400+ mentors have developed skills in community leadership, teaching and public health
- 400+ emerging health and social impact leaders have gained experience in facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and civic action.
Together, we are helping young people strengthen their knowledge, confidence, and connection to create healthier communities.
Why Do We Exist?
Many young people want to make a difference in their communities but often lack the opportunity, confidence, or platform to do so. CHASE exists to bridge this gap by creating accessible pathways for students to learn about health, connect with their peers and local organisations, and lead projects that make a real impact.
We believe that change is most powerful when it’s driven by those closest to the issues. By giving young people the tools, networks, and support to take action, CHASE helps strengthen community connections and create lasting improvements in health and wellbeing.
Our Mission
To engage and connect young people in creating healthier, more inclusive communities.
Our Vision
A future where every young person can contribute to a culture of health, equity, and connection.
Our Values
- Integrity – We act with transparency, courage, and accountability in everything we do.
- Inclusion – We create spaces where every young person feels respected, valued, and heard.
- Collaboration – We build partnerships grounded in trust, shared learning, and collective action.
- Growth – We embrace reflection, innovation, and continuous improvement to expand our impact.
Our Approach
The CHASE program was developed through extensive consultation and co-design with schools, educators, and community partners across Victoria. Our model combines peer-to-peer mentorship and project-based learning, ensuring health education is both relatable and actionable.
Through this approach, university and tertiary mentors work alongside senior secondary students to explore health topics, identify community needs, and design projects that create real impact. This collaboration not only enhances learning outcomes but also builds leadership, empathy, and stronger connections between schools and their surrounding communities.
Awards & Recognition
2016
Recipient of Minister for Health Volunteer Awards for Outstanding Achievement By A Volunteer: INNOVATION
2018
Recipient of Brimbank City Council’s We Are Brimbank Awards for Learning Excellence
2020
Recipient of the Victorian Government Group Achievement in the Community Award
2023
Finalist
NFP Leadership of
Australian Scholarships Foundations
Our Strategic Direction
CHASE’s Strategic Plan outlines our priorities for 2025 till 2027 strengthening community partnerships, expanding access to health education, and building long-term sustainability through volunteer and placement pathways.
Learn more about our current priorities in the CHASE 2024–2027 Strategic Plan →
