The Sarah Ford Foundation is a registered charity supporting women affected by family and domestic violence, poverty, homelessness and trauma through exercise, education and community support programs that promote recovery, resilience, confidence and social connection.
We believe every woman deserves the opportunity to recover, rebuild confidence, develop resilience and create meaningful social connections regardless of her circumstances.
The Sarah Ford Foundation is a registered charity with the Australian Not-for-profit and Charities Commission (ACNC).
S Ford Incorporated trading as the Sarah Ford Foundation, ABN: 66495354126
Charitable Collections License No: CC23013
We are an Incorporated Association, IARN: A1040385X
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
If any of the information on this page feels distressing or triggering, please take care of yourself and seek support if needed:
If you are in an emergency please call 000
Helplines:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36
Domestic Violence: 1800 737 732 (1800 RESPECT)
13YARN: 13 92 76
About Sarah Ford - Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Sarah Ford is an award-winning exercise professional, Exercise and Sports Scientist, registered Counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association, researcher and conference presenter. She is accredited with AUSactive in group fitness and personal training and has been recognised as both Group Exercise Leader of the Year 2022 and WA Group Exercise Leader of the Year 2022.
Sarah’s lived experience of generalised anxiety disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder led her to the fitness industry after attending a group exercise class became a pivotal turning point in her life and recovery. That experience shaped her strong belief in the role of exercise as medicine and its potential to support mental health and wellbeing as an adjunct to appropriate mental health care.
Sarah began her research career at Edith Cowan University, where she completed a Master of Medical and Health Science. Her research explored the barriers and motivators associated with attending group exercise classes among women experiencing anxiety disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
She is now a PhD candidate at the University of Western Australia, continuing her research into how group exercise may support positive psychological adaptation among women following trauma and/or adversity.
Through the Sarah Ford Foundation, Sarah brings together lived experience, professional practice and research to create safe, evidence-informed opportunities for women to experience the physical, psychological and social benefits of movement, connection and community.
