A recent study has found that volunteer-led initiatives could support people with severe mental illness (SMI) in managing their physical health more effectively. Conducted across community mental health teams in London, the study evaluated the feasibility and impact of the Health Champions intervention, which paired trained volunteers with individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other severe mental illnesses. The findings, published in the journal BJPsych Open, indicate that such interventions could be a promising approach in addressing physical health disparities faced by people with SMI.
People with SMI often experience significantly poorer physical health compared to the general population, partly due to challenges navigating healthcare systems and the effects of “diagnostic overshadowing” – where physical health symptoms are attributed to their mental illness. To tackle these disparities, the Health Champions programme sought to provide personalised support, with volunteers offering one-on-one guidance to help participants achieve specific health goals.
The study involved 48 participants, with 27 assigned to the intervention group and 21 receiving standard care. Health Champions met with participants for up to nine months, supporting them through regular face-to-face or remote sessions. Volunteers were tasked with helping participants set and work towards personal health goals, such as improving diet, increasing physical activity, or managing chronic conditions like diabetes.
While the trial showed no statistically significant changes in clinical effectiveness, qualitative feedback from participants painted a more optimistic picture. Over half of the participants reported improvements in their physical health, with some losing weight, becoming more active, or making positive dietary changes. Additionally, participants reported benefits beyond physical health, such as increased confidence and reduced anxiety.
The study revealed several facilitators that contributed to the success of the intervention. The trusting relationship built between participants and their Health Champions played a crucial role, with many patients expressing that having someone who genuinely listened and provided encouragement helped them take actionable steps towards their health goals. This sense of support was considered especially important for those struggling with motivation.
But the study also identified barriers that limited the intervention’s effectiveness. Scheduling issues arose, particularly when participants or Health Champions had changing commitments. The impact of the Covid pandemic further complicated the intervention, requiring most initial meetings to be conducted remotely, which some participants found less effective in building rapport. Despite these challenges, the cost of implementing the intervention – £312 per participant – was relatively low, suggesting it could be scaled up affordably.
The researchers concluded that a larger-scale trial could further evaluate the clinical impact and refine the intervention’s design. Key considerations for future implementation include enhancing support for volunteers and tailoring health outcomes to the needs of participants. While this was a feasibility study and not intended to draw definitive conclusions about health outcomes, the positive feedback from participants highlights the potential of volunteer-led initiatives to help bridge gaps in healthcare access for people with SMI.
