FAQs
We know that reaching out for support or exploring something new can bring up questions. This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page is here to help. Whether you're thinking about joining a program, partnering with us, or learning more about what we do, you'll find simple answers here.
If you can't find what you're looking for, please get in touch, we’re always happy to connect.
About Collective Being
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Collective Being is a not-for-profit organisation that offers free and low-cost programs to support people facing stress, trauma, and barriers to mental health care. We use movement and mindfulness to help people reconnect with their bodies, build resilience, and feel supported.
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Collective Being began in 2017 under the name State of Being, co-founded by Jo Buick and Alice Hobday. Since 2018, Jo has continued as the founding director, leading the evolution of the organisation into what is now Collective Being, a trusted provider of trauma-informed, body-based mental health programs.
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We are based in Narrm/Melbourne and run programs across Victoria in places like hospitals, schools, housing estates, and community centres.
Our address is: PO Box 38, Brunswick 3056
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We run group-based movement and mindfulness programs, design wellbeing projects in partnership with services, and offer professional training in trauma-informed, body-based care.
Learn more about what we do.
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Our facilitation team are trained in trauma-informed and mental health aware approaches. Our team includes trained and experienced facilitators in trauma-informed yoga and somatics, mental health support, community work, education, and body-based practices. Many have lived experience and work closely with each other to ensure safe and inclusive delivery.
Our team trains and up-skills together throughout the year, through a combination of internal and external training, mentoring, and reflective practice.
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We are a registered health promotion charity, with tax concession charity (TCC) and DGR-1 status.
Our work is funded through a mix of grants, philanthropy, and partnerships. We also run some fee-for-service programs and trainings to help support our free community programs.
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We focus on body-based and mindfulness practices because many experiences of stress and trauma are held in the body. Our programs are non-clinical, accessible, and designed in partnership with communities who often fall through the cracks of the current system.
Read more about our approach and our impact.
Programs and participation
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Our programs are designed for people experiencing stress, trauma, or systemic barriers to care. We work with a wide range of communities including women, young people, refugees, care workers, and hospital patients.
People can access our programs through our outreach model, or directly through us via our public programs.
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We run programs throughout the year in community locations across Victoria, and in online and hybrid modalities. Most are offered in partnership with local services, so times and places vary.
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Some programs are open to the public, while others are only available through partner services like schools or hospitals. You can check our What’s on page, or contact us to learn more.
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Most of our programs are free. If there is a cost, we make sure it’s low and accessible, and we never turn people away due to financial barriers.
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Our programs are gentle, inclusive, and welcoming. Sessions often include guided movement, mindfulness, psychoeducation, and time to reflect or rest. There’s no pressure to do anything that doesn’t feel right. You can go at your own pace, and everything is offered as an invitation.
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Not at all. You don’t need any experience, fitness level, or special equipment. Our programs are designed to be accessible, especially for people who are new to this kind of practice, folks with injuries, chronic pain, and mobility restrictions.
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Yes, in most cases. Let us know in advance so we can make sure the space works well for both of you.
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Yes. We regularly partner with health services, community organisations, government agencies, and networks to deliver programs that meet local needs.
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We do our best to make all programs accessible. We deliver a combination of online and in-person programs, with a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Let us know what you need and we’ll work with you to make it possible.
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All our programs are designed with care, safety, and choice in mind. Some are open to the public, and others are delivered through trusted services.
Our Therapeutic Movement & Mindfulness Program is specifically designed for survivors of trauma.
You’re also welcome to contact us directly to find out what’s available in your area.
Trainings and professional learning
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We offer professional trainings in trauma-informed, body-based approaches to care. Our trainings are grounded in science and practice, and designed for people working in community, education, health, or care settings.
Our flagship trainings are:
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Anyone working in community, education, mental health, peer work or care roles is welcome. We aim to make our trainings practical, inclusive, and supportive for people with different levels of experience.
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If you’re new to body-based practices, our public programs are a great place to start. Our Foundational Somatics Program is a six-week introduction that is perfect for folks who are new or looking for a refresher.
If you’re a practitioner or worker, our trainings offer deeper learning in trauma-informed somatics. Check out our Applied Somatics Training.
Partnerships and program bookings
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Yes. We regularly partner with health services, community organisations, government agencies, and networks to deliver programs that meet local needs.
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If you’re a support worker or community service provider, you can contact us directly to discuss program options. Some programs have open referral pathways, while others are run through closed partner sites.
Contact us to discuss.
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Reach out to us directly. We’ll talk with you about your group’s needs and whether we’re the right fit.
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Yes. We regularly work with organisations to design programs that respond to the needs of specific communities. We can tailor content, length, and delivery to best support your participants and staff.
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While each group is different, participants often report feeling more settled, connected, and confident in using movement and mindfulness to manage stress. We track outcomes using simple, trauma-informed tools focused on recovery, resilience, and access.
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We use a mix of participant feedback, facilitator reflections, and partnership evaluations to understand what’s working. Our approach to monitoring and evaluation is relational and strengths-based.
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Contact us via the form on our website here. We’ll work with you to understand your goals and tailor a training to suit your team.
Support, volunteering, and donations
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We’re always happy to hear from people who share our values. Send us an email or fill out our contact form to introduce yourself.
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Thank you. Please email us directly through the contact page. We’d love to connect and talk more.
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Yes. We are a registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, which means donations over $2 are tax-deductible in Australia.
Support our work here.
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Absolutely. We welcome conversations with donors and funders who want to support a specific site, group, or need. Contact us to find out where your support could make the most impact.
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We’re always open to sharing our work. Please reach out through our contact page and let us know what you’re working on.
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