Reducing risk of cardiovascular disease in people with severe mental illness: co-production, feasibility testing and trial of a peer supported group clinic intervention (PEGASUS)

People with severe mental illness (SMI) die around 15 years earlier than the general population, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) the main cause of early death. People from racially marginalised communities face healthcare inequalities and can be at elevated CVD risk. Healthy lifestyle interventions have failed to address specific challenges faced by people with SMI.

This programme is coproducing a novel peer-supported group clinic intervention with people with SMI, community organisations and healthcare professionals. We will pilot the intervention before carrying out a randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation in mental health NHS trusts nationally.

If the intervention is effective, we intend to scale up – implementing the intervention nationally and having it adopted in the NHSE and PHE policy and practice.

City, University of London

East London Foundation NHS Trust

Queen Mary, University of London

King’s College London

University of Southampton

Kingston University