Belgravia Foundation commends the veterans allied health program at Knox Leisureworks
Belgravia Foundation is proud to celebrate the remarkable work of Knox Leisureworks in delivering a community-led exercise program that supports the physical and mental wellbeing of local Veterans and their families. This initiative is a powerful example of how local engagement and partnership can respond to community needs and create meaningful, lasting change.
Following the successful completion of a 12-month Heart Health program, feedback from participants and consultation with the Vietnam Veterans Association Australia revealed a clear gap. Veterans expressed the need for continued support to manage chronic conditions, injuries, and mental health, while also maintaining the social connections they had built.
The program now runs twice weekly, led by Knox Leisureworks Exercise Physiologist, Sophie Caldwell and includes a balance of individualised exercise and group-based challenges. These sessions are designed to support strength, mobility, teamwork and confidence. Importantly, they also offer opportunities for social connection. A regular post-session coffee catch-up at the onsite café has become a valued part of the experience, strengthening relationships and creating a strong sense of belonging.
As the program progressed, Knox Leisureworks identified a further community need through ongoing consultation and participant feedback. Many wives and widows of Veterans were experiencing social isolation and declining wellbeing. A weekly class was introduced to support their physical and emotional health. This inclusive addition reflects Belgravia Foundation’s commitment to ensuring all members of the community have access to the benefits of active living and meaningful connection.
“This program and this group has allowed veterans to re-engage within the community physically and socially. We have created a welcoming space for everyone and I focus on meeting the participant where they are at for that particular day. Throughout this program, I have built meaningful relationships with the participants, that go beyond the exercise class, for example, helping participants with their technology issues (e.g. phones). We have created the space where participants are comfortable to ask the questions and not be afraid to laugh at themselves and each other. With the group camaraderie, I am able to encourage the participants too challenge themselves, sometimes outside of their comfort zone and it has been a privilege to see all of the participants achieve outcomes they once thought impossible.” - Sophie Caldwell
The program has delivered clear and measurable results. In the past 18 months, Veteran attendance has increased by over 60 percent. Participants have shown significant improvements in strength, balance and blood pressure, alongside a noticeable boost in confidence and motivation. A number of Veterans and their family members have become regular independent gym users, demonstrating sustained engagement with leisure and wellbeing.
Program evaluation has been central to its success. Through a combination of participant feedback, health assessments, attendance data and consultation with the Vietnam Veterans Association Australia, the team continues to refine the program in line with evolving needs. The introduction of a second Exercise Physiologist is a reflection of the program’s growth and continued demand.
Belgravia Foundation commends the team at Knox Leisureworks and their Exercise Physiologist, Sophie for their dedication, compassion and ability to deliver a program that meets people where they are. This initiative has improved lives, strengthened community ties and shown what is possible when local voices are heard and valued.
This is more than a health program. It is a community, a support network and a shining example of the Belgravia Foundation mission in action, to connect all Australians to leisure, regardless of age, ability or circumstance.
