Bexley Mental Health – Physical Health Check Project: A Groundbreaking Initiative for Residents Published
A pioneering project led by Mind in Bexley has gained recognition with its publication in the ‘Journal of Mental Health and Social Inclusion’. This innovative initiative aims to transform physical healthcare access for individuals living with severe mental illness (SMI) a marginalised group often overlooked and facing significant health disparities.
Central to the Bexley initiative is a rare model of integrated collaboration, bringing together Mind in Bexley, local general practitioners, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, and the GP Federation. This collective effort has successfully enhanced access to annual physical health checks, increasing participation from 43% to 63% in just three months, surpassing national benchmarks and demonstrating the power of community-driven solutions.
A vital aspect of this initiative was the involvement of individuals with lived experiences of mental health challenges, ensuring that the project addressed the real needs of this often-ignored population. Innovative training sessions for healthcare staff utilised personal narratives to emphasise the human impact of health inequalities, fostering empathy and understanding among practitioners.
To tackle barriers such as fear and mistrust of clinical settings, the project introduced a pioneering pilot clinic at Mind in Bexley, providing health checks in a familiar, non-clinical environment. This initiative offered residents a crucial first step back into the healthcare system after years of avoidance.
Dr David Palmer, CEO of Mind in Bexley and author of the paper, stated, “We are really pleased to see our work published. This recognition highlights that meaningful change is possible when services engage in integrated collaboration and prioritise the voices of marginalised communities”.
The evaluation of this innovative project highlights that co-produced training, peer support, and outreach in trusted settings can significantly enhance healthcare access for individuals with SMI, setting a rare and inspiring precedent for future mental health initiatives nationally.
Further information:
If you would like to read the evaluation, it’s available here: https://www.emerald.com/mhsi/article/29/7/49/1299067/Improving-physical-health-care-equity-for-people
To read more of the research and evaluation that Mind in Bexley carries out, visit our Impact and Evaluation page: here
