Česky
Why was the RESTART programme set up?
People with chronic mental illness may face an increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases as a result of the illness itself, long-term treatment, the use of certain medicines, and their lifestyle. Common complications include weight gain, high blood pressure, obesity and other health problems, which can significantly affect overall health and quality of life in the long term.
Although looking after their physical health is extremely important for these patients, there are still not many comprehensive rehabilitation programmes that combine care for both the body and the mind
The RESTART programme addresses precisely this need. Its aim is to help patients improve their physical and mental well-being, promote a healthier lifestyle and increase their motivation to participate actively in everyday life.
An important part of the programme is overcoming passivity, social isolation and fears that may prevent people from carrying out everyday activities. Patients gradually realise that even small changes to their daily routine can yield positive results. RESTART helps them gain new experiences, greater confidence and belief in their own abilities.
Five weeks of shared rehabilitation and support
The programme lasts five weeks and takes the form of residential rehabilitation. Patients are accommodated throughout the programme and together form a community in which they learn to cooperate, support and motivate one another.
The programme has a capacity of approximately 16 people. New participants join every Monday. The group operates on a semi-open basis – most patients remain for the entire duration of their programme, whilst approximately two to three new members join each week.
This arrangement creates a stable yet open environment. Patients have the opportunity to gradually build relationships, get to know new members and learn to accept changes within the group. Furthermore, more experienced participants can help newcomers to find their feet and integrate into the group.
Exercise as a path to greater independence
Regular physical activity is one of the programme’s cornerstones. It is not merely about improving physical fitness, but also about gradually overcoming the fears and obstacles that prevent patients from leading a more active life.
It begins, for example, with group walks. During these, patients learn to cope with everyday situations that can be challenging when motivation or self-confidence is lacking – such as going out in the rain, moving about in poor visibility, or going shopping on their own.
The programme includes morning warm-ups, exercises with a therapist, Nordic walking, swimming and other physical activities. The emphasis is on a gradual approach, regularity and adaptation to patients’ individual capabilities.
The aim is for participants to gain not only experience of physical activity during rehabilitation, but also the confidence and habits that will enable them to continue leading a more active life even after returning home.
In future, we also plan to organise regular Saturday group outings. These will be open not only to current patients, but also to programme alumni, their loved ones and other interested parties. The outings will thus offer an opportunity for natural socialising, building relationships and reconnecting with the wider community.
Healthier eating in practice
Another important area is nutritional therapy and practical training in healthier eating. Patients are introduced to the principles of proper nutrition, learn to understand food composition and think about how to put together a balanced diet, taking into account their options and financial situation.
Once a week, they go shopping together. They learn to plan a shopping list, choose suitable foods, compare their nutritional content and, at the same time, manage their money. The activity therefore also includes the development of financial literacy and practical skills.
After shopping, they prepare a simple meal together, which takes around 30 minutes. The emphasis is on affordable, healthier and quick-to-prepare recipes that patients will be able to use even after the programme has ended.
A modern, fully equipped kitchen, which is directly available to patients at the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre, is also used for these activities.
It is therefore not merely a matter of imparting theoretical information. The main aim is for patients to actually try out and adopt healthier eating habits and to be able to incorporate them into their everyday lives.
Psychiatric rehabilitation and understanding one’s own illness
RESTART does not focus solely on physical health. An integral part of the programme is also psychiatric rehabilitation, which helps patients to better understand their illness, treatment options and ways of coping with everyday difficulties.
Psychoeducation sessions and specialist lectures are delivered by Professor MUDr. Ján Prašek Pavlov, CSc. The lectures are followed by group discussions, during which patients have the opportunity to share their experiences, insights and questions.
Sharing experiences helps patients gain new perspectives on their own situation and realise that they do not have to face their difficulties alone.
The programme also provides scope for individual needs and further therapeutic activities. These include, for example, therapy focused on body acceptance, body-based work, and creative activities that promote self-care and care for one’s surroundings. Patients can, for instance, engage in making flowers and other decorations.
These activities foster creativity, self-expression, self-acceptance and the joy of creating something oneself.
Community, relationships and mutual support
One of the most important benefits of the RESTART programme is the safe and supportive environment of the shared community.
Patients learn to form relationships, communicate, cooperate and take responsibility not only for themselves but also for the smooth running of the group.
The daily routine therefore also includes specific community tasks. Individual members are assigned roles and responsibilities. For example, some are in charge of preparing crockery and napkins, whilst others keep an eye on the time or help organise group activities.
Mutual support between more experienced patients and new arrivals is also important. Those who have been on the programme for some time help new members to find their feet and integrate into the group.
In this way, patients naturally learn to follow shared rules, maintain a proper fluid intake, carry out the tasks assigned to them and contribute to the running of the whole community.
As a result, they gain not only practical skills but also a sense of belonging, usefulness and personal responsibility. The ideal outcome is when friendships and relationships develop among the participants that last even after the programme has ended.
Who is RESTART intended for?
The programme is designed for motivated patients with various psychiatric diagnoses, such as:
depressive disorders,
bipolar affective disorder,
schizoaffective disorder,
psychotic disorders.
It is also suitable for people with chronic mental illness and patients receiving a disability pension who retain at least some ability to work or carry out everyday activities.
Above all, it is important to be willing to participate in group activities and to be keen to work on improving one’s own health and lifestyle.
The programme is designed for a wide range of patients, and we always tailor its individual components to the specific needs and capabilities of each person.
Patients who are already using outreach services or other forms of health and social care may also take part.
An individualised approach and continuity of care
We consider the integration of different forms of care to be vital. We therefore welcome collaboration with patients’ key workers and other professionals involved in their support.
Before joining the programme, the patient undergoes an initial, so-called assessment examination. Ideally, their key support worker should accompany them to this examination. Having someone accompany them can help the patient find their bearings in the new environment and, at the same time, assist in setting more precise individual rehabilitation goals.
Continuity of care after the five weeks are over is also important. RESTART is not intended to be a one-off experience, but rather the start of a longer-term positive change.
For patients who live within commuting distance, rehabilitation can continue, for example, in the form of follow-up residential care, which facilitates a gradual transition back to the home environment. To help patients maintain the habits they have acquired and provide further support, we also offer follow-up outpatient therapy groups, where patients can share their current experiences and address any difficulties they may be facing.
Part of the rehabilitation process also involves training in self-care. Patients learn to better understand their medication, manage its preparation and organisation, and gradually take on greater responsibility for adhering to their treatment regimen.
RESTART is not merely a programme focused on weight loss, exercise or healthier eating. Its true essence lies in the comprehensive rehabilitation of individuals who, as a result of mental illness, long-term treatment or social isolation, have gradually lost their energy, motivation and desire to actively engage with life.
It helps patients rediscover the joy of physical activity, learn to look after their bodies, acquire practical skills, build relationships and strengthen their independence.
Above all, however, it helps them to believe once more that they can have a positive impact on their own lives. That change does not have to happen all at once, and that even small steps make a difference.
This is precisely the core idea behind the RESTART programme: to give patients the space, support and opportunity to start afresh.
The programme is provided under the health insurance scheme and patients do not pay any direct fees for it.
