Physical activity for people using mental health services: A framework for action in Wales

Regular physical activity is strongly recommended to improve meatal health, with evidence showing reduced symptom across both, common and severe mental illness.

National guidance, including NICE recommendations, supports group-based exercise for mild-to-moderate depression, while public health campaigns emphasise that even brief activity on mood and resilience.

This report reviews the evidence and identifies practical barriers. In Wales, community programmes, exercise referral schemes, and initiatives in secure settings show clear benefits, though limited funding, low motivation, and restricted access to qualified professionals can hinder engagement.

Commissioned by RCPsych Wales in partnership with the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (NWJCC) and the Dyfodol Programme, the Public Mental Health Implementation Centre (PMHIC) produced this report to call for action. It urges system leaders to embed person-centred, evidence-informed physical activity into mental health support across Wales, with key recommendations to:

• develop and support community-led, co-designed approaches
• involve fitness professionals in implementation
• tailor physical activity for people with severe mental illness.