15 July 2021

People with mental health issues may also have physical health issues that can reduce their quality of life and also lead to not having as long a life as everybody else.

This was highlighted in a recent report by the mental health charity, Rethink https://www.rethink.org/media/2630/20_years_too_soon_final.pdf

Everyone with serious mental health issues is entitled to a free physical health check, which comprises six tests (blood pressure, weight, smoking, alcohol, blood glucose for potential diabetes and cholesterol test).

However, in NW London boroughs, we are not managing to reach everyone who we need to.

We have worked with people with lived experience of mental health issues to co-produce this video sharing their experience of taking up their entitlement to a health check with the aim of raising awareness of the offer and reducing any anxieties people might have about going for a check.