‘Shape Up’: Addressing Physical Health Issues For People Experiencing Mental Illness Throughout Victoria

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By May 19, 2015 No Comments

Authors: Julie Rowse, VIC

Year: 2003

Event: 2003 TheMHS Conference

Subject: Physical Health is Important

Type of resource: Conference Presentations and Papers

ISBN: 1876939184

Abstract: People with a psychiatric illness have a higher morbidity and mortality rate than the general population. ‘Shape Up’ Healthy Lifestyle Program was designed by Grampians Psychiatric Services to promote healthy lifestyle choices to aid in reducing physical health issues. It is a ten-week group program providing dietary education, exercise, and support to make lifestyle changes. ‘Shape Up’ was piloted in 2000 and the results presented at TheMHS in Adelaide. Results showed the program was effective in reducing weight, increasing exercise, and sustaining change over time. Much interest was expressed in the program and three years on ‘Shape Up’ is being implemented across Victoria. ‘Shape Up’ was developed into a one-day workshop with an accompanying manual to equip other services to address lifestyle issues amongst their clients and facilitate the ‘Shape Up’ program in their region. Information presented will demonstrate that feedback from clients and mental health staff from around Victoria has been positive. One participant who attended the training day stated the best aspect about the ‘Shape Up’ workshop was “the tool to take away and that I feel it can be achieved after seeing it for only one day”. Participants have successfully implemented the program in their own organisation.

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