Participant Stories
From their words,
not ours.
Real lives, genuinely changed. Every story on this page is told with the full knowledge and permission of the participant.
Participant Stories
Real lives,
genuinely changed.
genuinely changed.
These are real lives, genuinely changed. Every story below is told with the full knowledge and permission of the participant.
Tara was living in a women's refuge and attending alcohol recovery groups when she first heard about On My Feet. She had no running experience and was struggling with severe anxiety. She almost didn't come to the first session. She has never looked back.
"My social anxiety made me want to leave, but the running made it all okay. I remember feeling supported the whole time."
Over time, Tara's confidence grew with every kilometre. The structure and accountability of weekly sessions gave her the routine she needed to rebuild. She found employment, addressed her mental health, and went on to complete the Melbourne Marathon numerous times.
"By having accountability of running each week and the support and encouragement to keep coming back... it's what gives me structure and direction."
Moved out of women's refuge accommodation
Addressed significant mental health challenges
Secured employment
Completed the Melbourne Marathon numerous times, plus multiple other marathons, half marathons and trail events
Completed a formal yoga training qualification
Travelled internationally and domestically
Bought her own home
Now an OMF role model and mentor
"I could write a book on how On My Feet has helped me grow. I have become a better person — a person who believes in herself, who is growing friendships, who pushes past her anxiety and negative thoughts. A happier person and a more confident person."
In 2015, Ian Brown returned to Perth after years living in the United States. After weeks of couch surfing and backpacker accommodation, he found himself in crisis housing at St Bartholomew's House, facing serious mental health challenges with no clear path forward. It was there that he met Keegan Crage.
"The first night I was very worn out. I was in my 50s and didn't have any running experience."
Keegan explained the power of running and what On My Feet could offer. The next day, Ian went for his first run. From there, he ran three times a week with the group — and every night on his own. Months of dedication followed.
"I am celebrating over 6,500km of running."
Moved from St Bartholomew's into his own home in East Perth
Addressed significant mental health challenges
Found employment with SecondBite
Completed five marathons and several half-marathons, including the Melbourne Marathon twice
Volunteered and coordinated the Perth Exercise Group for two years
Presented publicly to corporate and community audiences on his journey
Serves as a loyal OMF ambassador, exemplifying Community, Opportunity and Resilience
"On My Feet has changed my life. I was struggling with mental health issues when I started and I didn't know what was going to happen to me. I now have a job, a home, I am healthy and a part of such a wonderful and unique community."
Watch their stories
Three On My Feet participants tell their own stories, in their own words.
Ian's Story
From crisis accommodation at St Bartholomew's to five marathons and his own home — Ian tells it in his own words.
Dave's Story
Dave shares what On My Feet has meant for his journey — and what running has given back to his life.
Heath's Story
Heath's journey with On My Feet — from where he started to where he is now.
Women's Program — July to September 2024
Ten women. Ten different journeys. One community.
"On My Feet has literally saved my life. The women and men that have supported me back to wellness are angels. Thank you for everything that you have done for me."
Participant A
Women's Program · East Perth · Depression 21 → 9
"On My Feet is my engine for every day. Every time I see the ladies I feel inspired and learn things. On My Feet is the comfortable group to be in."
Participant B
Women's Program · East Perth
"On My Feet has given me hope and the motivation to keep going while the rest of my world was falling apart."
Participant C
Women's Program · East Perth
"On My Feet is a beautiful community that gives me purpose and structure whilst enriching my soul physically and mentally."
Participant D
Women's Program · East Perth · Depression 10 → 1
"On My Feet has changed my life, given me purpose in helping others, and a beautiful family that also supports me when I need it."
Participant E
Women's Program · East Perth
"On My Feet means physical wellness, mental wellness, exposure to social interaction, uplifting skills and knowledge and, most importantly, being there for each other. On My Feet is family."
Participant F
Women's Program · East Perth · Depression 13 → 1, Stress 13 → 3
"On My Feet for me means being able to stand positively after so many storms came into my life. I'm now able to cope and to walk forward on life's journey."
Participant G
Women's Program · East Perth
"On My Feet means a family to me. It gave me a sense of belonging."
Participant H
Women's Program · East Perth
"I have been thoroughly wrapped with On My Feet. Thank you."
Participant I
Women's Program · East Perth
"On My Feet means that I get to be in a group with others who make me feel supported and welcome. My mental health is better since being with On My Feet and I love telling my friends and family what it means to me — especially in somewhat vulnerable times it will and can lift my spirit even on bad days."
Participant J
Women's Program · East Perth
"What I have gotten out of the group was a place that I could go to instead of just running away from my trauma. I found a place to learn who I am now and who helped me find my voice and build me up instead of tearing me down. I finally found my family — and knowing everyone in this community has only made me want to be better tomorrow than I am today. It's an amazing feeling to be a part of this wonderful family that is OMF and honestly without them I wouldn't be where I am today."
On My Feet participant — Huber Social Independent Impact Report 2023