At Flourish Australia, recovery is about more than managing symptoms — it’s about supporting people to live well, feel connected and rediscover a sense of possibility. Community in Motion (CiM) is a powerful example of this approach in action.
Delivered at Buckingham House in Surry Hills, Community in Motion supports people living with complex mental health challenges to engage in physical activity in ways that feel safe, inclusive and achievable. The program recognises that movement looks different for everyone — and that when people are supported to move in ways that suit them, the impact can be physical, emotional and deeply personal.
For one participant, movement became a way to reconnect with hope.
“This painting reflects what exercise means to me, a sense of freedom and release,” she shared.
“Just as the sky opens up to brighter days after a storm, exercise helps me see possibility and hope… movement and creativity give me wings.”
Her story captures what sits at the heart of Community in Motion — movement not just as exercise, but as expression, confidence and renewed belief in what’s possible.
Why movement matters in recovery
People living with mental health challenges are more likely to experience poor physical health, alongside barriers to accessing mainstream fitness environments. Busy gyms, unfamiliar spaces and a lack of tailored support can make movement feel intimidating rather than empowering.
Community in Motion was developed to help bridge this gap by embedding evidence‑based physical activity directly within a community mental health setting. Rather than focusing on fitness goals alone, the program supports routine, confidence and connection, recognising that wellbeing is built through small, meaningful steps.
For many participants, having a calm, welcoming environment makes all the difference.
“The gym isn’t overwhelming. A lot of people with our experiences find some gyms really overwhelming, but the gym really helps to keep that at bay,” one participant explained.
Designed with people, not for them
A defining feature of Community in Motion is its co‑design process. The program has been shaped with people who access Flourish Australia services, alongside peer workers, families, carers and staff. Lived experience sits at the centre — recognising that people are best placed to define what meaningful, safe and sustainable movement looks like in their own lives.
Through interviews, focus groups and creative activities, participants helped guide decisions about the physical space, the types of activities offered and the support required to feel confident getting started.
“I wouldn’t feel confident doing exercise in a gym without a professional staff member,” one participant shared. “I think it’s so important to always have someone like that there with you.”
These insights have shaped a program that people genuinely want to engage with — one that feels respectful, flexible and responsive.
Professional support in a safe environment
Community in Motion is supported by Accredited Exercise Physiology, embedded within Flourish Australia’s services. This allows participants to engage in guided, personalised physical activity while feeling safe and supported.
As Daniel Ho, Accredited Exercise Physiologist at Flourish Australia, explains:
“Exercise physiology support has empowered people at Flourish Australia to consider how they can be in control of their recovery journey through guided exercise, and to access a space where they feel safe to move.”
By integrating professional support into everyday service delivery, movement becomes part of recovery conversations — not something separate or inaccessible.
A partnership grounded in evidence
Community in Motion was developed through a partnership between Flourish Australia and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), supported by a research grant from Maridulu Budyari Gumal, the Sydney Partnership for Health, Education, Research and Enterprise (SPHERE).
The program builds on strong evidence linking physical activity with improved mental and physical health outcomes and is being closely evaluated to inform the future of community mental health services.
“Together we’ve explored how movement and physical activity can become part of everyday mental health care — something that’s often overlooked but so important,” said Dr Oscar Lederman, Chief Investigator from UTS. “Early feedback shows the program has supported many participants, who find it not only acceptable but really meaningful.”
Importantly, staff are also part of the journey, gaining confidence to promote movement as part of holistic, recovery‑oriented support.
Looking ahead
For Flourish Australia, Community in Motion represents a practical expression of whole‑person recovery.
“Community in Motion is a powerful example of how Flourish Australia is putting whole‑person recovery into practice,” said Laurence Gagnon, Regional Manager at Flourish Australia. “By embedding movement into our everyday support, we are not just promoting physical health — we are fostering confidence, connection and hope.”
As learnings from Buckingham House continue to shape the program, Community in Motion offers a scalable model for integrating physical activity into community mental health services — helping more people access inclusive, meaningful opportunities to move, belong and thrive.
Talk to us today
For more information, contact us on 1300 779 270 or make an enquiry now.
