Move It for Mental Health is an eight-week program that supports young people at risk of poor well-being through engaging movement-based activities. This program creates a supportive and inclusive environment, ensuring that participants can thrive physically and mentally.

This term, we are delivering the program in partnership with the following education providers:

• Kalamunda Secondary Education Support Centre
• Anchor Point Bayswater
• Beldon Primary Education Support Centre
• East Victoria Park Education Support Centre

This program ensures all young people, including those with learning, intellectual disabilities, and autism, have access to engaging physical activity that supports both physical and mental health.

Why Movement Matters for Teen Mental Health

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Move It for Mental Health helps teens manage stress through structured movement-based activities, including team games, group challenges, and engaging physical exercises that boost mood and reduce anxiety.

• Exercise helps regulate stress hormones, making it easier to manage daily challenges.
• Activities such as stretching, boxing, and strength training release endorphins, which naturally improve mood.
• Physical movement provides a mental reset, offering a break from school and social pressures.

2. Builds Confidence and Self-Worth
This program encourages teens to participate in structured activities that promote self-confidence, teamwork, and a sense of achievement. By engaging in diverse physical activities, teens develop coordination, strength, and resilience, which in turn enhances their confidence in their abilities both inside and outside of the program.

• Achieving small fitness goals encourages a sense of personal achievement.
• Strength and coordination improvements help teens feel more capable in their bodies.
• Group activities encourage teamwork and social confidence.

3. Strengthens Social Connections
Move It for Mental Health fosters social connections through group-based movement experiences, encouraging teamwork, communication, and social engagement. Whether through paired exercises, team games, or collaborative fitness challenges, participants build friendships and a sense of belonging in a supportive and inclusive environment.

• Participating in a movement-based program strengthens friendships and community support.
• A supportive group setting reduces feelings of isolation and builds trust.
• The Move It for Mental Health program is designed to be inclusive, ensuring every participant feels welcome.

4. Enhances Focus and Academic Performance
Structured physical activity improves focus and cognitive function, helping teens perform better academically while developing lifelong healthy habits.

• Movement increases blood flow to the brain, improving concentration and memory.
• Regular exercise supports better sleep, leading to improved cognitive function.
• This program integrates movement with social connection, helping teens build positive habits that support both their physical and emotional well-being.