Abstract
This presentation demonstrates the importance of shared values and visions by utilising co-design to develop and implement community-based programs that encourage healthy lifestyle change and address physical health outcomes for individuals living with severe mental illness (MI). The purpose of the presentation is to evaluate a co-designed and co-facilitated program that aims to improve mental health by building connection to community, confidence and cardio-metabolic health.
Individuals living with severe MI are more likely to experience premature mortality, comprising one third of all avoidable deaths. This is often a result of high rates of cardio-metabolic disease and poor treatment of physical health outcomes. Despite the compelling evidence and known physical and mental health benefits of exercise, many individuals with MI still lead sedentary lives. This research utilises co-facilitation between peer support workers and exercise physiologists to increase physical activity levels through community based delivered care.
The predicted findings will confirm the importance of collaboration between exercise physiologists for safe and effective evidence-based exercise delivery, and peer support workers for social inclusion and empowerment to achieve mental and physical health outcomes and reduce health inequities. It will also show the value and importance of including consumers in service design to achieve the best possible person-centered outcomes.