Equally Well UK
The Wellness Service are proud to be part of Local Integrated Partnerships’ signing of the Equally Well Charter. Equally Well is an initiative from New Zealand which seeks to promote and support collaborative action to improve physical health among people with a mental illness.
The life expectancy of someone living with schizophrenia in the UK is some 15-20 years shorter than someone without a mental illness: it is equivalent to the average life expectancy in the UK in the 1950s. Premature mortality among people with a mental illness is mainly caused by poor physical health: by conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
The overall aim of Equally Well Charter is to bridge the gap for physical health for those experiencing poor mental health. We work with other organisations to develop programmes that will make a sustained impact on the physical health of people living with a mental illness.
Within the wellness service we recognise the holistic nature of health and that physical and mental wellbeing are intertwined. We offer programmes to support people experiencing mental ill health such and can support people on a one-to-one or group basis to make changes to improve their physical health and reduce their risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Our Active for life programme offers tailored support for those experiencing mental ill health to get more active and improve their health and wellbeing.
We are proud to be part of a network of organisations that are focusing on improving people’s physical health to allow them to live happier, healthier lives. For more information check out our mental health and physical health pages on our website.
