In SHAPE

In SHAPE is a wellness program aimed at improving the physical health and quality of life for adults with severe mental illness. Staying physically fit and healthy is challenging for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. These individuals are at increased risk of chronic diseases and have a shorter lifespan than the general population. In SHAPE pairs a person with severe mental illness with a personal health mentor. Together they create a personal health plan that includes physical activity goals, a personal nutrition plan and smoking cessation support. The mentor helps the participant implement his or her plan by encouraging participation in community activities, such as yoga classes at the local YMCA. The mentor also assists with food shopping, menu planning and teaching basic cooking skills. Participants meet every 12 weeks to attend a celebration recognizing their achievements.

The program is funded by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, The N.H. Endowment for Health, The Hoffman Family Foundation, The N.H. Charitable Foundation, The Monadnock Community Foundation, The Cogswell Benevolent Trust, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation, and The Monadnock United Way.

The goal of In SHAPE is to utilize personal health mentors in order to improve physical health and quality of life, reduce the risk of preventable diseases, and enhance the life expectancy of individuals with severe mental illnesses.

Approximately 400 participants have been involved in the program since November 2003, with an average participation of 9.72 months. The Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center conducted a pilot research evaluation of 98 participants and found that participants reported an increased number of hours exercising each week as well as reductions in waist circumference, blood pressure and depressive symptoms.

The program has been expanded to other towns in New Hampshire and adopted by mental health agencies across New England and other states.