It is widely evidenced that physical activity can have a positive effect on both physical and mental wellbeing, both in the context of prevention and treatment. Yet across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland 39% of adults and 83% of children do not meet the UK Chief Medical Officers physical activity guidelines (1). For those living with a health condition, they are twice as likely to be inactive than people without a health condition (2).

National clinical guidelines from the National Institute for Health Care and Excellence advice physical activity promotion for inactive people with a range of long-term conditions and physical activity brief advice in healthcare is one of the top seven 'best buys' for getting a population active. 1 in 4 people would be more active if advised by a GP or Nurse but research suggests that over 70% of GP's do not speak to patients about the benefits of physical activity or are aware of the UK Chief Medical Officers physical activity guidelines (3).

This section aims to summarise the national programmes and resources (such as those funded by Public Health England, Sport England, Royal College of GP's) that have been released but also provide information on how health care professionals can access local support to help them sign post patients to local activity, arrange training for staff and obtain physical activity resources for their health care setting.

The Exercise Referral Scheme offers individuals aged 16+ who are currently inactive (doing less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week) and living with a medium or high risk medical condition to sessions of community or leisure centre-based activity at discounted rates. Click on the link below for more information.

Alongside health and care partners, we are implementing a free postural stability exercise programme called Steady Steps with support from each of the localities across Leicestershire and Rutland.

Steady Steps is a 24-week programme tailored to those who have previously fallen or worry about falling and is designed to help improve balance and stability. Delivered by Level 4 specialised Postural Stability Instructors, the classes are tailored to each individual's abilities and will progress in difficulty throughout the programme.

People are eligible for the Steady Steps programme if they are aged over 65, are at risk of falling (e.g. have a high fear or falling or poor balance) or have fallen less than three times in the past 12 months.

Click on the links below for more information.

LEAP (Lifestyle, Eating & Activity Programme) and FLIC are programmes available to refer adults and children to who are overweight and would like some advice around nutrition and physical activity.

The Leicestershire Nutrition and Dietetic Service offer FLiC, a Family Lifestyle Club. FLiC is run by Dietitians and local Council Physical Activity leaders. It is an 8-week programme (meeting once each week) for children aged 8-13 years and their families, offering support and information about weight management.

(1) Active Lives Survey 2017/18

(2) Active Lives Survey 2018

(3) Sport England Briefing Note (Tackling Inactivity: Key Work to Support Health Care Professionals) 2019