MHPSS.net 261d ago

Episode 1: Why Movement Matters – An introduction to the links between physical activity and mental health, including the WHO physical activity guidelines. Movement is a powerful tool for mental health and wellbeing, yet its role in mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) is often overlooked. Despite strong and growing evidence that physical activity and sport can reduce distress, improve functioning, and foster connection, practitioners often lack accessible resources to translate this knowledge into practice. This new animation series, developed by the Olympic Refuge Foundation Think Tank and Books Unbound, is designed to help close that gap. It offers a shared resource for both the sport/ sport-for-development and MHPSS communities, making evidence usable for practitioners working in diverse settings. By combining evidence with engaging visuals, the animations show how sport and physical activity can be part of rights-based MHPSS practice. They reinforce that movement is not only a tool for participants, but also for practitioners themselves, helping to reduce stress, support resilience and wellbeing. The project was developed in consultation with practitioners to ensure it is adaptable and relevant across contexts. The animations are freely available and will be hosted by the Olympic Refuge Foundation, with further reach through MHPSS.net and sportanddev.org.