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Key Takeaways
- A free NHS scheme in Shropshire offers sports sessions to people with severe mental health issues (SMI)
- The scheme, which began two years ago, has expanded to include football, multi-sports, and gentle exercise sessions in addition to tennis
- The program aims to promote physical activity and improve lifestyle for individuals with SMI, who are prone to health issues like high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
- The scheme is funded through a grant from Sport England and is free at the point of entry, with free equipment and coaching provided
- Anyone over 18 with an SMI and registered with a GP in Shropshire can register for sessions, which are currently scheduled to run until July
Introduction to the Scheme
The Wellbeing, Belonging and Moving for Mental Health Project, a free NHS scheme in Shropshire, has been a resounding success in its two-year run. The program, which initially offered tennis sessions to people with severe mental health issues (SMI), has now expanded to include football, multi-sports, and gentle exercise sessions. As Claire Parrish from the NHS noted, "Activity is great for everybody and great for all mental states." This expansion is a testament to the scheme’s effectiveness in promoting physical activity and improving lifestyle for individuals with SMI.
The Importance of Physical Activity for Mental Health
According to Parrish, people prescribed antipsychotic medications are prone to health issues like high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and liver disease. "We know from population health data that Shropshire and Telford have some of the highest incidence of deaths related to these," she said. By promoting sport, the scheme aims to support service users and people with SMIs in the county to improve their lifestyle. As Parrish emphasized, "By promoting sport we’re hoping to be able to support our service users and people with SMIs in the county to improve their lifestyle." This highlights the critical role that physical activity can play in mitigating the risks associated with SMI.
The Scheme’s Success and Expansion
The scheme’s success can be attributed to its unique approach, which combines physical activity with social interaction and camaraderie. As Parrish noted, "That camaraderie, you’re with like-minded people, there’s no stigma and it’s free at the point of entry…you get free equipment, free coaching." The fact that the scheme is free and provides free equipment and coaching has been a significant factor in its success. The expansion of the scheme to include new sports is a result of its popularity and the positive feedback from participants. As Parrish said, "We’ve known with the tennis [it] is a great avenue for promoting your mental health; two years later it’s still going."
Eligibility and Registration
The scheme is open to anyone over 18 who is considered to have an SMI, is prescribed antipsychotic or mood-stabilising medication, and is registered with a GP in Shropshire. Participants can register or book a place for sessions, which are currently scheduled to run until July. As Parrish added, "This currently runs until July this year and we’re hoping we’ll be able to extend them past that." The scheme’s funding, provided through a grant from Sport England, has been instrumental in its success and expansion.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
The Wellbeing, Belonging and Moving for Mental Health Project is a shining example of the positive impact that physical activity can have on mental health. By providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals with SMI to engage in sports and physical activity, the scheme has improved the lifestyle and well-being of its participants. As the scheme continues to expand and evolve, it is likely to have a lasting impact on the lives of those it serves. With its unique approach and commitment to promoting physical activity and social interaction, the scheme is an invaluable resource for the community and a model for similar initiatives elsewhere.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwywjxgr7r2o