WHOLE-SMI
Project overview
WHOLE-SMI (Wellbeing and HOListic hEalth promotion for people with Severe Mental Illness) aims to examine how physical health support can best be delivered to people living with severe mental illness (SMI) in the North East of England.
Drawing upon the findings of the PRIMROSE study (which McPin were involved in several years ago), it works with commissioners, service users, and community providers to explore what helps, and hinders, successful delivery of support in the area.
It is lead by a research team at the University of Newcastle and is funded by three schools within the NIHR (National Institute of Health Research): the School of Public Health Research, the School of Primary Care and the School of Social Care.
Project details
In recent years attention has increasingly been paid to the poor physical health experienced by people with severe mental illness (SMI) for a number of reasons.
People with SMI on average also have a life expectancy of 20 years shorter than the general population.
WHOLE-SMI seeks to promote better physical health in people with SMI living in the North East, thus working to change current health inequalities.
We are a project partner, bringing our public involvement expertise to the study, with a senor service user researcher acting as mentor to two part-time peer researchers with lived experience of mental health issues.
WHOLE-SMI is based in the North East and knowledge of the local area including local service user and carer groups is proving important.
The study is officially due to complete in March 2024. A Community Advisory Group of Experts by Experience has been established, which now meets quarterly.
Data collection has involved interviews, workshops, and focus groups with people with lived experience and those in relevant professional roles.
Initial dissemination activities are planned, including presentations at events.
Please email [email protected] for more information.
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