When work became a lifeline: A candid story from MOVE’s Thomas Fletcher this mental health month

September 21, 2026

A program designed to improve the lives of participants has ended up improving the life of the swim teacher delivering it.

During one of the most difficult periods of his life, swim teacher Thomas Fletcher found connection, purpose, friendship and fulfilment through the AAA (Access All Abilities) Swim and Social program at MOVE Moonee Valley – something he thought he was joining simply as an instructor.

The Belgravia Leisure AAA Swim and Social program is an inclusive initiative for people with disabilities aged 16 and older, combining low-impact water activities and safety training with a dedicated social coffee hour to build community connections and combat loneliness.

But for Thomas, who was initially nervous to sign up to the program in his first month at Keilor East Leisure Centre, the program was so much more.

When Thomas first began, he admits he was far from confident.

“Like anyone starting out, I was unsure of my own abilities as a teacher,” he said. “I’d never really taught before, so this was entirely out of my comfort zone.”

At the time, he was already feeling the pressure of teaching children and worried about whether he could properly support a diverse group of adults.

“AAA seemed daunting at first,” he said. “How could I be confident with such a diverse group of adults if I couldn’t yet manage my own class of kids?”

What Thomas didn’t realise was just how much the experience would shape him as an instructor.

“Now I know with certainty that I would not be half as good a swim teacher if it weren’t for AAA,” he said.

The lessons Thomas gained extended well beyond teaching techniques. During a particularly challenging period in his personal life, the program became a source of support and positivity.

Moonee Valle City Council Michael Barton

“These last few years have been extremely tough for me,” he said. “Positivity is so important in any swim class, so I definitely felt the pressure to find a smile amidst all the frowns. But with AAA I didn’t need to pretend to put on a happy face. I was just genuinely thrilled to be there.”

What started as work quickly became something he looked forward to each week.

“The program became the best part of my week during a very dark time,” he said. “I’m still not quite sure where I would be without it.”

As the program grew, so did Thomas. He credits its unique environment and sense of community for helping him develop both professionally and personally.

“Maybe it’s the flexibility of the program. Within those first few months I think I learned as much as the participants,” he said. “Maybe it’s the friendly faces both in and out of the pool. I’ve never felt more supported in any other line of work.”

For Thomas, the impact of AAA lies in its ability to help everyone grow, regardless of which side of the lesson they’re on.

“It fosters growth within you, no matter which side of the class you stand,” he said.

The friendships formed through the program have been equally important.

“Joining the AAA Swim and Social program was one of the best decisions of my entire life,” Thomas said. “I’m not just a better instructor because of it, I’m a happier, more fulfilled person. I’ve been privileged to watch many friendships blossom within the program, including some of my own.”

For Thomas, one of the unexpected benefits has been the opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds and experiences.

“Working with people of all abilities, backgrounds and perspectives has been such a valuable experience,” he said. “Our ability to empathise is only determined by the number of stories we’re exposed to. Being a social program at its core, AAA gives you the opportunity to learn and laugh with so many interesting people.”

His advice to anyone at Belgravia Leisure struggling with their mental health is to consider getting involved in local programs that give back to communities, such as AAA.

“If you ever have the chance to join a session of AAA, your worldview will certainly grow a lot more colourful.”

Through his experience, Thomas has learned that mental health support doesn’t always come in the form of counselling. Sometimes it comes from feeling connected, valued and part of something bigger than yourself.

Support is available

More than 50% of team members at Belgravia are aged between 15-30 years, and it is this age group that experiences the highest rates of mental illness among all age groups.

As a leader in addressing the mental health crisis in the leisure sector, Belgravia Leisure takes a multifaceted approach in supporting team members in this space. From measuring the prevalence of mental health among team members in each Belgravia Census to understand the extent of the issue, to providing a variety of free training and support, mental health matters at Belgravia Leisure every day of the year.

Belgravia Leisure support services

While Mental Health Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness and encourage conversation, supporting mental health is an ongoing focus at Belgravia Leisure. Team members can access support services, training and wellbeing resources throughout the year through B-Connected, LENNY and other internal support channels.

If you’re a Belgravia Leisure team member and need support, the following services are available throughout the year:

Employee Assistance Program (EAP), delivered by Converge International for confidential counselling and support for team members and their immediate family. Access via B-Connected or contact Converge International directly on 1300 687 327.
Mental Health eLearning Program (MHeLP), a free online mental health education program available through Belgravia Foundation.
Mental health and psychosocial safety resources, including work instructions to support team members and leaders in responding to major and moderate mental health incidents, as well as wellbeing resources available through B-Connected and WHS channels.
Speak Up and reporting pathways for concerns relating to psychological safety, bullying, harassment and workplace behaviour.
Trauma counselling support following critical or distressing incidents.
Mental Health First Aid training through Belgravia Academy. Team members interested in participating should speak with their line manager about available training opportunities.