On average a person with an SMI is likely to die between 10 and 17 years earlier than then general population, of which 2 out of 3 deaths from physical illness can be avoided.

Physical inactivity contributes to poor health outcomes in these often disadvantaged and clinically vulnerable individuals.

NHS DEVON’s Joint Forward Plan aims to create the conditions for ‘Equal chances for everyone in Devon to lead long, happy and healthy lives’.

Active Lives survey (Sport England 23) shows that those with a SMI are less likely to be physically active, more socially isolated and lonely.

To support this Devon Training Hub, working with Dr Kay Brennan has developed a workshop for those working in primary care:

• This fully interactive facilitated workshop will help develop understanding of the benefits of physical activity, sport and movement to people with long term conditions and in particular those with an experience of SMI
• Increase confidence and communication skills when discussing activity with this population.
• Improve motivational skills and aid understanding of how to help people with experience of an SMI overcome barriers to participation in and sustaining an active lifestyle.

There will be input from those with lived experience and those delivering activity support in our system with real cases to discuss, as well as some myth busting discussion on SMI. The cross-system team of facilitators share their experiences, promote inclusivity and equality, discuss language and communication skills, develop the audiences problem solving skills and explore the local barriers people may face.

Facilitators:

Kay Brennan  – GP and Sports and Exercise Medicine Specialist, NHS Devon and MOD

Chloe Rosser – Occupational Therapist, West of England Specialist Gender Identity Clinic/DPT

Jack Phillips –  Lead Physical Health Practitioner, DPT

Anita Griggs – Director of Vista Wellbeing CIC

Sam Ismael – Senior Social Prescriber, Barnstaple Alliance PCN

Tom Mack –   Partnership Manager, Active Devon

Laura Brooks – Sport in Mind (SW lead)

Please sign up here