CURRENT PROJECT

The current project focuses on people with mental illness who are using day activity centres or residential rehabilitation facilities run by various agencies (generally funded by State or Commonwealth government). We aim to link those people with community-based opportunities for physical activity, and in the process to enhance the agencies’ capacity to independently perform this linking role for their clients. 

 

Healthway has funded a three year project aimed at increasing participation in physical activity by people with a mental illness.  The primary approach to this goal will be through working in partnership with 24 mental illness agencies so that over the period of the project:

 

1. Over 1400 active participants undertake physical activity options they are not currently accessing; and

 

2. Those 24 agencies become self-sustaining in providing physical activity opportunities to their clients.

 

The project work is structured so that participants are given skills and community links which will enhance their capacity to maintain participation outside the direct project work, and to develop and maintain ‘healthy habits’ with respect to physical activity.

 

The project follows successful pilot work funded through a Healthway Sports Sponsorship. This pilot work was undertaken with ten mental illness day activity centres in both metropolitan and regional locations.  The programs provided by these agencies were part of the psychiatric disability rehabilitation and support services run buy the WA Department of Health or private agencies funded by the Commonwealth Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.  Independent evaluation based on surveying agency staff found that reported changes among the participants included:

 

Ö Greater attendance at physical recreation opportunities;

Ö More active participation in physical types of recreation that are offered – and more active participation in requesting and choosing activities;

Ö Greater interest and participation in fitness activities;

Ö Increased use of physical activity in place of medication for stress relief;

Ö Motivation;

Ö Increased knowledge about health and physical activity – leading to goal setting for participating in newly discovered recreation activity;

Ö Confidence, self efficacy - “I never thought I would be able to do that”, “ I didn’t manage the flying fox because I was scared, but I would like to try again, if I could do it I would be able to do anything”;

Ö Improved social interaction often extending to greater enjoyment and improved teamwork in the activity setting – “great fun, and now I have more friends”, “I was part of the winning team when rafting - I was quite good”.

 

 

PROJECT DELIVERY

This project has been designed to engage agencies servicing people with mental illness and assist them in the process to get clients more involved in regular physical activity.

The project involves the following customized process;

 

· A Find 30 Physical Activity Action Plan; This is a staff member sitting down one on one with agency staff to gain a better understanding of the agency and what they believe clients want to achieve

 

· One off Activity Experiences; These are events such as come and try days, where groups get the opportunity to experience a range of activities that they are interested in and have never tried before to motivate  people to become more involved

 

· Nutritional Workshops; Run by professional nutritionists to provide Information to both staff and clients the benefits and importance of a good balanced diet

 

· Staff Awareness Sessions; These sessions are to support staff with any issues or questions they might have and provide them with information on the benefits that regular physical activity can have on people

 

· Links to Community Service Providers; To provide information and links with community service providers for agencies and staff to ensure strong sustainable relationships are built within the community

 

· Participant Support Systems; Support is provided to both participants and staff to assist in any issues that may arise with getting individuals involved in activities

 

· Provider Support Systems; Support and assistance is also provided to the service providers if required.

 

 

PARTNERS

· June O’Connor       -  Rockingham

                                            -  Subiaco

                                            -  Joondalup

                                            -  Fremantle

                                            -  Mandurah (Day 2 Day Living)

                                            -  Rockingham

 

· Bentley Health

 

· Jarrah Road

 

· John Mile Centre

 

· Life Without Barriers, Alma Street Fremantle

 

· MIFWA (Early Intervention)

 

· Franklin Centre, Graylands

 

· Lorikeet

 

· Outreach, Albany

 

· Fellowship House, Albany

 

· ARAFMI

 

 

Project Description

MENTAL  HEALTH