COVID-19 has sparked an uprising of the need to resolve feelings of isolation and loneliness in individuals, specifically those living with a mental illness. Research from the Brain and Mind Centre at the University of Sydney have found that rates of mental illness, especially in young people, are likely to increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognising the urgent need to address feelings of isolation during these times, Belgravia Foundation initiated project seeking support from the Victorian Government through the ‘Let’s Stay Connected’ fund.

The project will be helped by key collaborators, with extensive generous support being provided by Belgravia Leisure, Genesis Health & Fitness, Orygen and Nutrition Australia.

People living with mental illness will be the target group of the project, aiming to connect them with community and support agencies leading to improved health service connection and uptake. Take Charge and Youth Take Charge are evidence-based programs that support people living with mental illnesses to be physically active and build social connections. But during COVID-19 lockdowns, access to this program through face-to-face delivery in local leisure centres has become impossible. Recognising this may continue for a protracted time, these programs will be enhanced and delivered online to provide exercise programs, support and education about health nutrition, healthy recipes, and individual and group chat activities to support social connection and reduce loneliness, aim to support participants in improving their physical and mental health.

To connect people with mental illness to exercise and healthy nutrition and in an effort to build confidence and ‘the exercise habit’, free access to personalised support and online programs through the Home Fitness Network will be provided for 60-days, followed by a free 90-day membership and support with local participating leisure centres.

Mental Health First Aid training will be given to leisure centre staff who are assisting in the project to improve their skills and confidence to support participants in improving physical health, social connectivity and appropriate pathways to care.

Connecting people living with mental illness to physical activity, healthy lifestyle, and social interaction, is the main outcome of the project. This will, in time, improve participants’ overall mental health and eradicate feelings of social isolation and loneliness.