Interest-holder perspectives on integrating Doing What Matters in Times of Stress with a community-based physical activity service for people experiencing mental health challenges

People experiencing mental health problems often encounter fragmented systems of care in which physical and mental health needs are addressed separately. Physical activity is an evidence-based approach for improving both physical and mental health and integrating evidence-based psychosocial support with physical activity in community settings may offer a holistic and accessible approach. This study explored interest-holder perspectives on integrating the World Health Organization Doing What Matters in Times of Stress intervention within a trauma-informed, community-based physical activity service. A qualitative study was conducted within a free, community-based, university-run physical activity service in Sydney, Australia. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with people with lived expertise of mental health challenges, Clinical Exercise Professionals, and mental health service providers. Data were analysed using thematic analysis guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Nineteen participants (11 people with lived expertise, four Clinical Exercise Professionals, and four service providers) took part. Participants generally viewed the future delivery of Doing What Matters in Times of Stress by exercise professionals as acceptable and potentially beneficial for supporting both mental and physical health. Existing rapport with exercise professionals, the disarming nature of physical activity, and practical stress-management strategies were identified as strengths of the model of future delivery. Participants viewed Clinical Exercise Professionals as potentially well-placed to facilitate Doing What Matters in Times of Stress alongside supervised physical activity, as long as it was supported by appropriate training, supervision, referral pathways, and clear professional boundaries. Trauma-informed, inclusive environments, tailoring the intervention, prioritizing service user choice and organisational support were also considered important factors for successful future implementation. Conclusions: Integrating Doing What Matters in Times of Stress within a trusted, community-based physical activity service was perceived as acceptable and potentially meaningful for people experiencing mental health challenges. Findings warrant further piloting and evaluation of integrated physical activity and psychosocial intervention models.