On My Feet transforms lives.
We assist those at risk or dealing with homelessness by providing exercise groups and structured programs which are aimed at creating pathways to self-sufficiency and improved wellbeing.
Being homeless is more than the absence of shelter, and we believe the most effective solution is to empower the individual to drive the changes necessary to get back on their feet.
We offer a hand up, not another handout.
Our three core programs are as follows:
Each of these programs focus on the following four touch points.
People who are physically healthy and fit are better positioned to make positive lifestyle choices, feel better about themselves and be more productive. Exercise is an incredible tool to build self-belief and become self-motivated. Through a supportive volunteer structure, participants are encouraged to better their physical health by improving their fitness, eating better and respecting their bodies.
Running and exercise, just like life, are brutally honest. You get out what you put in.
In times of crisis, people often neglect their personal health and physical wellbeing in the pursuit of keeping their life on track. In fact, all of us can be guilty of putting our health second to work, family and other parts of our lives. Our programs aim to teach participants that physical health is one of the building blocks to being mentally healthy and being able to make positive decisions in good times and in bad.
We aren’t looking to create champion athletes. We are looking to create champion people who are empowered to become self-sufficient and understand the importance of physical to their overall wellbeing.
See further details on how we are changing the physical health of our participants through our Footsteps Program, walking and exercise groups.
Research indicates that more than 75 per cent of homeless people have at least 1 mental health condition. These conditions can often inhibit a person’s ability to break free of the homelessness cycle and get back on their feet.
Mental health is a complex, multi-faceted issue and we don’t pretend to have all the answers. However, by creating a community of caring, health-conscious, like-minded individuals On My Feet hopes to provide those in need with a support network that they can lean on when necessary.
We aren’t a one-size fits all organisation. Our Footsteps Program includes a 4 week focus on the aspects of mental health that our participants tell us they would benefit from. We encourage participants to be self-aware and identify the areas they want to grow in.
Our programs are designed to facilitate improved employability in each participant. At any given time, some of our participants may be casually employed, unable to find work or not able to start work at all.
By developing skills required to gain and maintain any level employment, all participants – regardless of their position in the employment cycle – stand to benefit from the program.
By participating in our walking and exercise groups, participants build and demonstrate the following soft skills that any employer will look for a future employee:
- Dedication
- Commitment
- Resilience
- Positive attitude
- General wellbeing
- Team work
Whilst our walking and exercise groups improve the employability of participants primarily through exercise and running, our Footsteps Program dives even further.
The Footsteps Program includes weekly workshops that concentrate on providing participants with personal development opportunities. Contained within the Program is an 8-week work readiness module, which provides participants the following opportunities:
- Resume Drafting
- Dressing participants appropriately
- Presentations and dinners with CEOs of various organisations
- Practicing interview techniques
- Managing workplace performance
- Strength identification
- Communication skills
- Work experience placements
- Volunteering
More information about the Footsteps Program.
Our participants all have varied and unique backgrounds. Some never had the opportunity to complete high-school or undertake university or TAFE studies, whilst others have degrees and had previously forged themselves careers. Our programs all focus on empowering the individual to believe in themselves again (or sometimes for the first time) and acknowledge their self-worth.
The Footsteps Program does this including weekly workshops that concentrate on providing participants with personal development and education opportunities. In these workshops, On My Feet partners with service providers and industry professionals to provide unique, informative and interactive sessions that focus on:
- Goal setting
- Communication skills
- Work experience and volunteering
- Strength and interest identification
- Conflict resolution
- Cooking
- Resume drafting
- Interview techniques
- Nutrition and training preparation
- Leadership skills
- Team building
- Self-belief and self-worth
- And much more.