This paper discusses lessons from an innovative partnership project which brings together physical exercise and community development practice to increase the social inclusion and participation of people with mental illness living in the community. The project – Integrated Care: Physical and Social Wellbeing – is based on inter-disciplinary practice between exercise physiology and social work in social housing communities of Glebe/Camperdown. Research indicates that participating in sport and recreation contributes to what are viewed as key social work outcomes: confidence-building and empowerment; social integration and cohesion; cultural identity and pride; and a reduction in crime and vandalism (Grieve & Sherry, 2012; Long & Sanderson, 2001; Sport and Recreation Victoria, 2008; Canada, 2005; Sport England, 2002; VicHealth, 2008). People living with mental illness in the community and their carers often experience social exclusion and stigmatization (Sherry, 2010), and sport is an innovative way of building a sense of inclusion creating ‘‘a feeling of closeness and camaraderie with a group of other people, usually geographically proximate, who are not necessarily related through kinship’’ (Smith & Ingham, 2003, p.253). This paper will draw on process evaluation data focusing on early lessons as well as identifying ongoing challenges to supporting the social inclusion and community participation of people living with mental illness in social housing settings.

Some 170 years have passed since the links between mental illness and poor physical health were recognised. Acceptance of this as 'matter of fact' has shifted, yet the appalling health of people with severe mental illness continues to be a social disgrace. Excess morbidity and mortality are receiving scholarly and clinical attention and there is consensus that 'best practice' involves health promotion, screening and intervention. Guidelines oblige primary care and mental health services to act, and initiatives designed to improve clinical practice have been implemented. However, amidst debate about role responsibilities and claims by health professionals that 'patients aren't interested’, consumers’ care is suboptimal, their voice largely absent from discussion.

To inform debate and service development we interviewed 40 consumers about their experiences and expectations of mental health services managing their physical health. Consumers are interested in their physical health and insightful about how their mental health affects their motivation and capacity for self-care. They want health professionals to proactively engage them in discussion about physical health, with regard to their mental state. Drawing on their suggestions, we describe best practice from the consumer perspective and discuss how services can empower consumers to better manage their health.