6 Consumer Contractors-20 hrs/ month

1
Why Wait for Wellness Vancouver
Community Mental Health Services (VCMHS) Regina
Casey, Dip OT., M.A. PhD Student, UBC. Why Weight
Coordinator
Program Goals Promote systematic access to
healthy lifestyle programs -improve Clients
mental health physical wellness Increase staff
awareness
VCMHS Large Urban setting 9 Teams, Consumer
Family Services Case Management,
Rehabilitation Emergency, Urgent Acute
services
WHY WEIGHT PROGRAM
VCMHS Services Physician Engagement program
Recreation Therapy services (inc. Movement for
change program) Occupational Therapy Services
Additional specialized
6 Consumer Contractors-20 hrs/ month Bursary
5,000 Clinics, Weekly Support Groups, Youth
Program
VCMHS activities Team Service wide Yoga,
Badminton, Sun Run, Wii, Canoeing, Dragon
Boating.
Originally based on the Pendlebury Model (UK)
Coordinator .1 FTE
Community activities Community Centres, YMCA,
Other Mental Health Agencies
For development Integrated, interdisciplinary
services Access to Nutritional Services Consistent
outcome measures Better connection with Regional
Programs
Programs Outcomes 140 clients per year. 387
personal goals met, 53 not met or not
known Weight loss- 3-4 lbs
Participant feedback 2009 Monitoring weight
gain or loss of the group helps to keep me
motivated with my own weight. I feel
encouraged by hearing other people set and meet
goals.. I got involved in the group because I
could relate to the participants. Part of our
common struggles include weight gain due to
medications. I signed up for exercise class
and attend twice a week. Contact
Regina.Casey_at_interchange.ubc.ca