This document is part of NHS Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust’s health inequality case studies.

Individuals with severe mental illness, learning disabilities, and autism have a significantly shorter life expectancy and higher rates of chronic diseases due to physical health inequalities, including obesity and smoking. The YOURhealth Coach pilot project for inpatient units aims to address health inequalities faced by individuals with severe mental illness (SMI), learning disabilities, and autism by focusing on physical health improvements.

The YOURhealth Coach pilot project, started in April 2023, aims to support the physical health of inpatients by conducting Health Improvement Profiles (HIPs) and offering holistic health assessments. The project provides support in areas such as healthy eating, exercise, caffeine reduction, sleep hygiene, and signposting to specialist health services. Interventions include Health Improvement Profiles, 1-1 and group support for healthy lifestyles, and discharge pathways with ongoing support.

The project has seen positive engagement, with 109 patients accessing physical health checks and 120 patients participating in healthy lifestyle conversations and support.
The pilot highlights the importance of a person-led approach, building trust and rapport to facilitate patient engagement and motivation. Future plans include expanding support across all inpatient units, collaborating with community services, and securing sustainable funding for the project.

The document can be viewed and downloaded below.

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