The program was initiated by St John of God Hospital in Warrnambool as part of the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program and has been funded through the Disability Support Program.

The group is facilitated by mental health nurses.

The hospital’s manager of mental health services, John Parkinson, said the goal of the group was to promote social inclusion and encourage a healthy lifestyle.

“It allows participants an opportunity to develop friendships, increase socialisation and discuss lifestyle goals among other things,” he said.

At the sessions the women are involved in physical activities and discussions and are instructed and supported by a personal trainer.

“The benefits of exercise are often underestimated but this program is also about social connectedness and healthy eating,” Mr Parkinson said.

As part of the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program, which has helped more than 300 people in the south-west, mental health nurses deliver care on an as-needed basis and work with doctors to address specific concerns of clients.

At the wellbeing group sessions the women are involved in group personal training with Ros O’Grady and more recently the women have also engaged in beauty therapy days with the vouchers and products supplied by Priceline Pharmacy, Solutions Skin and Health, Logan’s Beach Day Spa and Monaghan’s Pharmacy.

Mental health nurse Emily Williams, who facilitates the program, said the benefits were showing.

“We have an amazing group of women who are already seeing fantastic benefits,” Ms Williams said.

“Not only are they getting benefit out of the exercise but we have formed great friendships and are enjoying spending time socialising.”