Keeping the Body in Mind

Keeping the Body In Mind-primary (KBIM-p) is a CESPHN-funded physical health service for individuals living with severe mental illness. The service, including an exercise physiologist and dietitian, operates from the UNSW Lifestyle Clinic in Randwick. The program also includes a tobacco cessation component through the integration of a Tobacco Treatment Specialist and a Mental Health Peer Worker.

KBIM-p offers telehealth services when in-person support is not easily available. Participants in this program can access the following services at no cost: 

1. Up to 10 sessions with an exercise physiologist 

2. Up to 10 sessions with a dietitian 

3. Up to 10 sessions with a Nicotine Treatment Specialist 

The KBIM-p service includes:

• Personalised Exercise Programs: Provision of one-on-one, adaptable physical activity programs tailored to each person’s needs and preferences.
• Nutrition Support: Individualised dietitian consultations offer nutrition education, goal setting, and personalised dietary advice.
• Nicotine Cessation: A dedicated Nicotine Treatment Specialist provides comprehensive assessments and tailored support for smoking and vaping cessation.
• Peer Support: The Mental Health Peer Worker offers ongoing support with maintaining health and lifestyle goals. Through the lens of lived experience, the peer worker helps foster motivation and empowerment, and ensures clients feel heard and understood as they overcome barriers to creating positive change.
• Patient-Centered Approach: The KBIM-p program emphasises participant-led goal setting and barrier identification, ensuring patients are actively engaged in their health journey.

Telehealth services include:

• One-on-one consultations with an exercise physiologist or dietitian via video or phone call.
• Assistance with goal-setting and advice for managing physical activity and diet
• Accessible and effective home-based exercise programs with or without equipment.
• Dietitian online services can include: assistance with meal planning, shopping tours and cooking sessions.

Eligibility

KBIM-p is available to individuals who:

• Are between the ages of 18-75 years.
• Are not currently managed by public mental health services.
• Experience severe mental illness with a diagnosis such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder.
• Live in the CESPHN region.

Referrals

GPs or mental health professionals (e.g., psychologist, psychiatrist) can refer to this service.

To refer someone who meets the eligibility criteria, please complete the referral form online via this link.

If you have any further questions, please contact the Exercise Physiologist on 0401 979 228 or the Dietician on 0488 096 228.