A unique wellness initiative, combining yoga and pilates with professional counselling, has shown remarkable benefits for IntoJobs participants in South Australia.

The initiative, known as MATS, is a joint partnership between IntoJobs (part of the IntoWork Group) and MATS-Populi. It aims to overcome personal obstacles and boost both the physical and mental health of participants in Mount Gambier, and aid them in securing and maintaining employment.

Spanning six weeks, the program features an hour of yoga and pilates followed by an hour of group counselling. It has engaged 12 participants so far, who have noted considerable improvements in their mental health and job readiness. The sessions are inclusive, welcoming participants of all ages and abilities, and are led by certified, insured professionals.

Kyralee Russo, a participant who relocated to Mount Gambier from Victoria, joined the program after facing long-term unemployment due to domestic violence and motherhood. She sought a supportive environment to help her open up about her past traumas, “For most of my life, I was focused on survival. I took time off to be a mum and then afterwards getting a job seemed impossible, especially when you have a lot of trauma and no work experience. You don’t know where to start,” she said.

“MATS helped me get out of the house. It was refreshing to get out and talk to some people that were going through similar circumstances as me. It’s all round good to know that you’re not alone in your struggles,” Kyralee said.

She also noted how the program facilitated a new beginning for her, “Starting this program was a great experience. The combination of mental health sessions mixed with Pilates was really effective. Pilates exhausts you physically, which somehow makes it easier to share personal stories. It felt like a smart approach,” she said.

Kyralee, now 34 and a year into her journey with IntoJobs, praised the organisation for its supportive role in her mental health journey, contrasting it with her past experiences where she felt undervalued, “The job agencies I was with were not very supportive and you felt like just a number. With IntoJobs, I don’t feel forced to do anything that I’m not ready for and I feel quite supported,” she said.

Kyralee emphasised the positive impact of MATS on her mental health, “I have really enjoyed MATS. It has opened me up to groups and I’ve learned things about myself and just all around feel good after sessions. I’ve been trying to really push myself in MATS. It’s been fantastic on my physical and psychological health. I will continue for as long as it is available to me,” she said.

Following the program, two participants have secured seasonal employment, and four others have successfully obtained job interviews.

IntoJobs CEO Steve Wyborn commended the program’s success, “MATS has not only encouraged friendships and boosted confidence among participants, but it has also been many participants’ first form of exercise in a long time. It offers a space for sharing personal stories and developing new coping mechanisms,” he stated.

Mr Wyborn also highlighted the holistic benefits of the program, noting that it not only builds community among participants but also equips them with essential skills to manage stress and challenges in their personal and professional lives, “Seeing such positive transformations in participants’ health and mental well-being is truly rewarding. We are thrilled to continue offering these sessions to help more individuals in our community,” he said.