A new recovery programme aimed at people who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia has been launched.

The ‘Steps Toward Independent Living' programme aims to help people to make better lifestyle choices, and to reduce their sense of isolation as they reintegrate into the community.

Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition characterised by disturbances in a person's thoughts, perceptions, emotions and behaviour. Symptoms can include delusions, hallucinations, behaviour change, social withdrawal and problems sleeping.

The condition affects around one in every 100 people worldwide and an estimated 41,000 people in Ireland are currently affected.

The programme was successfully piloted in three mental health centres - in Athlone, Wicklow and Monaghan - between April and June of this year.

The pilot programme, which included 20 people with schizophrenia and six facilitators, showed that current schizophrenia care is lacking when it comes to the provision of practical resources and guidance. However, it was largely able to meet these needs.

Some 85% of participants said that they had a better understanding of the warning signs of relapse after completing the programme. The same proportion also said that it helped them to reach their recovery goals and that they intended to make positive changes to their life as a result.

The 10-week programme is based around 10 themed modules, including healthy eating, substance abuse, socialising, personal development and mindfulness.

"The Steps programme offers people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia the opportunity to take the first step towards recovery, to meet up and socialise with others and learn the skills necessary to live an independent life.

"Our clients enjoyed the group interaction, sharing their opinions and views and learning from others' views. Many felt more confident and appreciated, and made some positive lifestyle choices as a direct result of taking part. We would have no hesitation in recommending this programme to other mental health centres in Ireland," commented consultant psychiatrist, Dr Lorcan Martin, of the Ré Nua Community Mental Health Centre in Athlone, which took part in the pilot programme.

The nationwide roll-out of the programme is supported by Shine, the national voluntary organisation supporting people affected by severe mental ill health in Ireland.

"There is no single definition of the concept of recovery for people with mental health problems, but the guiding principal is hope - the belief that it is possible for someone to regain a meaningful life, despite serious mental illness.

"We are delighted to support the launch of the Steps programme that aims to offer people hope, fellowship and the opportunity to learn how to self-manage their health and regain control of their lives," commented Shine director, John Saunders.

The programme was developed by pharmaceutical company, Janssen, which will offer the Steps programme toolkit to mental health centres around the country free of charge. Training will also be available on request.

For mental health care teams interested in offering the programme, email contactus@janssen.ie