Active8: Promoting health beyond the absence of mental illness

We sought to understand and develop the critical elements of a program designed to promote physical health for people living with or experiencing mental illness.

The study used a most significant change approach. Participants provided personal accounts of change, and these were analysed in a workshop with a range of stakeholders involved in program design and delivery. Core themes were identified to inform the development of the program.

The program is delivered by a community managed organisation in the South Eastern Illawarra region of New South Wales and the study took place in this setting.

Participants included people who had accessed the Active8 program, staff who delivered the program, referrers and the funder of the program.

Participants were invited to share stories of how the Active8 program had impacted them or the people they were supporting.

Five key themes were identified as being critical to program success and development: (a) the right start at the right time; (b) a program that fits me; (c) health literacy leads to agency, action and change; (d) a chance to explore and establish healthy connections; and (e) change requires time, focus and ongoing support.

Approaches that steer away from simple advice giving and towards empowering and motivating people in line with their individual needs, aspirations and social context show potential for enhancing health-behaviour change.