Embedding Physical Activity into Community-Based Peer Support Groups for those Severely Affected by Mental Illness

Laura C Healy; Adam Benkwitz; Zoe McVinnie; Mustafa Sarkar; Mel Islin; Andy Brinded; B Dodge; Sofija Opacic; Zoe Swithenbank; Shanika Ranasinghe; Jennie Oliver; Maria Karanika-Murray; Mary E Nevill

doi:10.3390/ijerph20032291

Embedding Physical Activity into Community-Based Peer Support Groups for those Severely Affected by Mental Illness

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Jan 27;20(3):2291. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20032291.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK.
² Sport, Physical Activity and Health Research Centre, Newman University, Birmingham B32 3NT, UK.
³ Department of Psychology, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
⁴ Rethink Mental Illness, The Dumont, 28 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7GR, UK.
⁵ School of Business, University of Leicester, Brookfield, 266 London Road, Leicester LE2 1RQ, UK.

Abstract

Despite a growing evidence base on the effectiveness of community-based physical activity interventions for mental health, there is a lack of studies that focus on those affected by severe mental illness (SMI), who often experience poorer physical health, and are less physically active than the wider population. The use of peer support groups in this context is also understudied, despite benefits being documented in other contexts. This study examined the impact and process of a nationwide project to embed physical activity into peer support groups for those affected by SMI. Following the embedding of physical activity within peer support groups, interviews and focus groups were conducted to explore the experiences of those involved with the project and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The key findings related to: 1) the social aspects of embedding physical activity in the groups; 2) the focus on peer support and informal physical activity (rather than organised sport) being beneficial; 3) doing things differently and lessons to learn; and 4) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, we found that peer support is an important feature to include in projects encouraging those severely affected by mental illness to become more physically active.

Keywords: community; mental health; peer support; physical activity; severe mental illness.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

COVID-19* / epidemiology
Exercise
Humans
Mental Disorders* / epidemiology
Mental Disorders* / psychology
Pandemics
Peer Group
Self-Help Groups

Grants and funding

The research in this manuscript was supported by funding awarded to authors L.H., Adam Benkwitz, M.S., M.K.-M. and M.N. while they were all either employed at Nottingham Trent University or Newman University by Rethink Mental Illness to evaluate their project embedding physical activity into peer support groups for individuals severely affected by mental illness. The evaluation was conducted independently by the research team, supported by staff and peer researchers associated with Rethink Mental Illness.