As we acknowledge Mental Health Month, it is important to recognise the strong connection between physical and mental health. For too long, they have been treated separately, even though there is strong evidence showing how connected they are. People living with severe mental illness are more likely to experience physical health problems, leading to a reduced life expectancy by 14 to 23 years, and face double the risk of diabetes, four times the likelihood of respiratory diseases, and six times the risk of cardiovascular issues.
We understand that mental and physical health are connected, and both need to be addressed together to improve the wellbeing of our community. People with severe mental illness face major health challenges because of things like medication side effects, discrimination, and economic struggles, as well as the lack of coordination between mental and physical healthcare. To tackle the significant health disparities faced by people with severe mental illness, we are committed to early intervention and holistic approaches.
Despite the connection between mental and physical health, the care systems are often separated. As a community health provider, we see how integrated care can make a difference. By providing mental health support in regular healthcare settings, we can step in early, offer timely help, and prevent more serious health problems. This approach not only improves health but also reduces emergency care and saves money.
The Eat Well, Live Well Project: A Collaborative Response
One example of this is the Eat Well, Live Well (EWLW) Project, which has been helping mental health consumers and social housing residents in Darebin since 2022. This program is a partnership between YourCH, Housing Choices Australia (HCA), Neami National, and Darebin Information Volunteer Resource Service (DIVRS), with support from the Darebin Council.
The Eat Well, Live Well Project shows how how impactful it can be when we combine efforts to address both physical and mental health through community-led initiatives. The program helps participants learn how to access and cook nutritious food, reducing their need for food banks and processed meals. Through workshops and cooking sessions, participants have gained useful food preparation skills and learned about the services available in the community.
Irene, pictured below, is a 96-year-old participant who learned to make kombucha through the project and now makes it regularly at home.
A Community-Led Approach to Wellbeing
One of the key strengths of the Eat Well, Live Well Project is its co-design approach, where participants help shape the program. Regular meetings allow participants to identify needs and plan activities like communal lunches, food walks, and excursions. These activities not only provide meals but also strengthen social connections.
Since the program began, participants have reported better social wellbeing and food knowledge. All members of the co-design group agreed that the program has increased their awareness of community resources, and 90% said they attend local events more often now.
Looking to the future, the co-design group is planning some exciting new initiatives. These include creating a Food Map for Darebin to highlight accessible food resources, a community recipe book, and a Kitchen Equipment Library, where participants can borrow tools for cooking at home. These projects show how community-driven solutions can boost confidence, reduce isolation, and improve overall wellbeing.
Building a Healthier Future, Together
The Eat Well, Live Well Project reminds us that supporting mental health goes beyond clinical care. We need to create spaces where people feel supported, where social connections are made, and where physical health is improved through activities like cooking and sharing meals. This kind of holistic, person-centered care makes a lasting impact.
As we mark Mental Health Week, we hope to see more collaborative, community-led programs like this in the health and wellbeing sector. By working together, we can help create environments where people can manage both their physical and mental health, reduce barriers to care, and strengthen community connections.