Being able to go to a gym or yoga class is a healthy activity some of us take for granted. But for women with lived experience of trauma such as domestic and family violence, separation, loneliness, homelessness, disability, mental health barriers and poverty, opportunities to improve their health and well-being are often limited.
In 2018, Women’s Spirit Project founder Jodie Belyea set out to address this gap by providing vulnerable women in the Frankston, Kingston and Mornington Peninsula region with the opportunity to build their confidence, courage and resilience through a free holistic 13-week fitness, health and well-being program. This region was identified as having a greater number of women doing it tough when compared with the rest of Victoria. The project’s research data shows that nearly half of the women living in the region earn below the minimum wage, one in five women report high levels of psychological distress, and the region has one of the highest rates of family violence in metropolitan Melbourne.
Jodie’s vision to support these women is becoming a reality. After running a range of fitness, health and well-being programs over the past few years, the project kicked off the 2022 Spirit of Transformation program in March with 40 participants and mentors aged 25 or older. The women met weekly every Friday for four hours. They were supported by volunteer mentors and took part in fitness activities including yoga, walking, cardio and strength exercises. The group undertook a detailed curriculum covering topics such as communications skills, goal-setting and strategies to achieve goals, self-empowerment, meditation and self-reflection. At the conclusion of the program, the women attended an inspiring celebration in recognition of their commitment and achievements, and to acknowledge the support of volunteers and partner organisations.
“Friday became my favourite day of the week,” Jodie said. “The program has been exceptional. It was a big step for these women to put themselves first and try something new despite their anxiety. The program affirmed they’re worthy, that they’re capable of taking the steps and committing to creating positive change and manifesting the life they wish to live.”
The healing journey doesn’t end there. The women continue to meet each Friday to walk together in preparation for the Frank To Schanck 60km three-day walk in November. The walk is open to all women of the community, and there will be options to walk shorter segments of the course. There is a registration fee, and money raised goes towards continuing the project’s work.
“The effort required to deliver the Women’s Spirit Project is significant,” Jodie said. “Our important work is currently largely underfunded and our success is the result of incredible dedication by local women volunteering their time to support other women in our community.”
Jodie and her team are on a mission to raise $1 million to be able to offer this model to more women in the southeast region. To learn more, take part or support the Women’s Spirit Project, visit www.womensspiritproject.org
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