Hei whakapiki i te mauri ora ma te hakinakina - Improving mental wellbeing and lifestyle through physical activity
Phone: 03-377-7020
Fax: 03-961-0794
Activelinks provides support to “get active” through increasing participation in physical activity, sport, recreation and leisure pursuits. Support can be individual, through a group, or specialized healthy living programme. Health and fitness resources and information are also provided. Our aim is to promote independence and involvement in community life with a focus on health and wellbeing.
There is increasing research into the relationship between physical activity and mental health. Physical activity, in conjunction with a broad spectrum of health care, can play a critical role in the recovery of individuals.
Activelinks also aims to address the social stigma and discrimination in the recreation, physical activity and leisure sectors relating to mental illness.
The service operates in the Christchurch metropolitan area and North Canterbury district.
There are many different reasons clients become motivated to increase the amount of activity in their lives. Service delivery is based on the goals, aspirations and identified needs of the individual and includes the options of:
- Individual support
- Group support
- Specialised healthy living programmes
Individual Support
Activelinks staff are experienced in supporting clients in a wide spectrum of activities and at all levels of participation. For many people this takes a very personal, individualized plan to get things moving. Individual sessions are usually weekly and work towards clear goals that have been identified. A focus of the work is to break down the barriers that stop the people taking part in this activity on their own and support them to structure activity into their life on a regular basis.
Group Support
Activelinks run a variety of recreation groups. These groups are purposefully held in community settings and people are encouraged to make their own way there. It is recognized that being active in groups makes it more fun and more sustainable. For many people the step from being on their own to joining a group in their local community is too big. Participation in an Activelinks group can act as a step towards this.
Examples of current groups:
- CIRCUIT GYM – gold coin entry
- AQUAJOG
- WALK
- TENNIS
- BADMINTON
Activelife – 2009 CDHB Quality and Innovation Supreme Award Winner - a specialised healthy living programme
There is a growing body of knowledge that identifies the increased risk factors for chronic physical health conditions for people who experience mental illness. Comcare has developed a specialist programme that assists people to make changes in their nutrition and activity levels. Key elements of the programme are the support gained from each other as group members, the provision of expert information, the opportunity to try gym based physical activities, to determine how these or other activities can be sustained and most importantly peer support worker involvement to encourage and keep the group connected.
An independent HEHA sponsored evaluation of this programme is available here (PDF, 545 KB)
Access to Service
Access to all Activelinks Services is by referral
All people accessing service must be between the ages of 18 – 65 and have a primary diagnosis of a major mental illness.
Specialist Groups may have other criteria.
Referrals may be made by the person themselves, clinical workers or other mental health support workers but must be supported with information from their clinical manager. Physical health information may be required.