As the world marks Mental Health Day 2025, the urgent question is no longer why activity matters – it’s how to spark it. At the MOVE Congress 2025, #activation will be the central theme, with mental health emerging as a core focus area. Here, we will explore fresh, practical methods of motivating and supporting those facing mental health challenges.

The evidence is clear: physical activity can profoundly benefit mental health. Yet awareness doesn’t always translate into action. Simply telling someone, “you’ll feel better if you exercise more,” rarely suffices. For many facing mental health challenges, the main barrier isn’t a lack of information – it’s finding the motivation to take that first step.

Mental health issues cover a broad spectrum, and physical activity cannot be seen as a quick fix for severe illnesses. It is important to distinguish those conditions from “poor mental health” – often manifesting as stress, anxiety or depression – which can appear for no clear reason, or be triggered by events like trauma, bereavement, or global upheavals like the COVID-19 lockdowns.

The latter led to deterioration in mental health across all age groups, with young people especially affected. Studies have shown significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, as routines were disrupted and healthy habits became harder to sustain. In response, researchers have stepped up efforts to identify what truly works in boosting motivation and resilience. The good news is that real progress is being made. Both young people and adults are benefiting from initiatives delivered in a range of settings, including ISCA-led projects such as the ABCs of Mental Health and Icehearts Europe.

Real Progress

Originating at Curtin University in Western Australia, the ABCs (Act Belong Commit) model is primarily designed to strengthen protections, reduce risks, and build resilience. At its core is the belief that simple activities that keep you mentally, physically, and socially active can significantly improve well-being. The programme is currently being scaled up across Europe through an ISCA-led project, with pilot countries including Denmark, Italy, Poland, Sweden and Ukraine. By early 2025, more than 90 organisations were actively involved.

“There are many physical and mental health benefits to being physically active” says Christina Pollard, Curtin University’s Professor of Public Health Priorities and Director of Western Australia’s Public Health Advocacy Institute and Co-Director of Mentally Healthy WA who leads the Act Belong Commit campaign there. “Simply being outside, off devices, engaging with the community, challenging yourself, or learning a new skill have mental health benefits”

“Joining a sporting group or exercise class is beneficial but may not be for everyone”, she adds. “Some people prefer low-pressure and flexible activities, such as walking or gentle group sessions. For people who need to overcome fear, fatigue, or a lack of confidence, less intimidating activities tend to be more effective.”

“There are multiple benefits for people of all ages to becoming more physically active, but this does not mean you have to be a top athlete,” Pollard continues. “Simply walking outside helps people feel better, experience the day, and connect with others. The more often people do this, the better. Connecting with others and experiencing a sense of belonging is important for mental health and wellbeing, and joining a group can help to keep going. Sometimes the hardest part is taking the first step. That’s why activation in this area is so important.”

First developed in Finland, Icehearts has been shown to significantly improve self confidence, peer relationships and general mental health among children and young people. Working in close partnership with schools, parents, sports clubs and community groups, trained mentors help participants build a sense of belonging through team-based sport, leisure, and social activities. While it primarily focuses on young people, Icehearts has the potential to offer valuable lessons for adults – highlighting the importance of mentorship, trusted relationships, and gradual community integration.

“In Finland, Icehearts participants have described the mentor’s role as a trusted figure and a role model in their life,” says Icehearts Research Manager Kaija Appelqvist-Schmidlechner. “A trustworthy adult who has supported them through life’s challenges from childhood to adulthood – someone they can always rely on, and who is able to see something good in every child. This is a skill all adults working with children and youth – for example in sports clubs – should strive to develop.”

“With Icehearts, we are seeing highly promising results in key areas,” she adds. “These include improved self-esteem and social skills, increased activity levels and better educational outcomes – all of which are indicators of good mental health.”

Under the Icehearts Europe banner, the model is currently being adapted in Estonia, Spain, Italy, Slovenia and Denmark. The aim is to translate what works in the Finnish context into an internationally adaptable framework, while preserving the core elements of long-term mentoring, stakeholder co-operation and the use of sport to encourage social support and inclusion.

Activating people with mental health challenges isn’t simple – but it is possible. Key ingredients include gradual goals, safe spaces, flexible options, trained coaches and mentors, and involving people with lived experience. If we can continue to build on recent advances, mental health needn’t be a barrier to being active – it could become a strength.

World Mental Health Day is Friday, October 10.