Schizophrenia is a major mental illness that presents in young adulthood. It affects approximately 1% of the population and is a major cause of Disability-adjusted Life Years worldwide. Besides impacting on the ability to independently carry out daily activities, work/studies and interactions with family and community, the illness has a profound effect on physical health. Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are common complications and life expectancy is reduced by as much as two decades. The long term nature of this complex illness highlights the need for more effective, holistic care models. Increased patient involvement is central, as it has been shown that patients' views of appropriate interventions often differ from those of formal care providers.