YMCA Mental Health & Wellbeing Exercise Program

1. YMCAMental Health & WellbeingExercise Program Adam Waterson Health & Fitness Manager Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre

2. What is it? Grant from MLC to provide a mental health and wellbeing program that will provide a safety net for recovery of people feeling isolated & unmotivated due to an accumulation of adverse life events. (gym setting)

3. What is it? Partnership for RECOVERY A partnership that: • Orientates those diagnosed with mental illness into an exercise program • Maximise’s factors that create the circumstances in which all can flourish

4. YMCA Objectives • To reduce mental illness or disorders, by promoting: • wellbeing, optimism and social support • integration into fitness sessions & exercise classes • To remove barriers to holistic wellbeing such as: • Lack of knowledge or motivation • Fear of fitness centres • Cost

5. YMCA Objectives, cont • To provide a coordinated community service - a partnership between organisations sharing resources and tools • To create a pathway to ongoing participation in regular exercise

6. Program Outline • Build partnerships for referral, support and call back system for drop outs • Provide mental health first aid training to YMCA staff • Program leaders at each YMCA centre • Set procedures for implementation, monitoring and evaluation • YMCA 4 visit induction • Blackdog Mood Chart • Others??

7. Program Outline YMCA 4 Visit Induction • Appt # 1 – Initial Consultation • Appt # 2 – Training Experience • Appt # 3 – Training Refresher • Appt # 4 – Social Event / Breakfast

8. Program Outline • Access to a 60 day program of fitness and classes guided by a fitness trainer • Monthly social event to meet, network and connect • After 60 days continue as a fee for service member or apply for YMCA’s Fee Assistance Program • Drop outs followed-up and referred to appropriate pathways for support and continuum of care

9. Discussion We invite you to support the program and engage with us THANK YOU!