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). Unfortunately, 60 % of people with 2 or more LTC are not happy with their current activity levels (3).
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, highlighting the critical value of the patient practitioner relationship to activity and improved health outcomes.
Physical Activity for Health Training
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). Studies showed 80% of GP's were not familiar with PA guidance and only 16% of physiotherapists knew all the guidance (4,5). This section aims to summarise training opportunities for health care practitioners to access physical activity training.
Physical Activity Clinical Champions
Are you from a practice / health organisation where you would like to learn more about how physical activity can make a difference to you and your patients?
Our Physical Activity Clinical Champions training could be for you.
We are able to arrange the national PHE Physical Activity Clinical Champion Training for health settings, which aims to increase clinicians understanding, confidence and expertise to deliver brief advice in clinical practice. (targeting GP's, Midwives, Nurses) at a local level.
E-learning for Healthcare
e-learning for healthcare offer a range of physical activity and health workshops for healthcare professionals online.
This allows you to complete the training at a time and location that suits you, and you can choose from a variety of courses the offer accredited CPD points.
elearning for healthcare
Moving Medicine
Is the ultimate resource to help healthcare professionals integrate physical activity conversations into routine clinical care. The site includes 1,5 and more minute consultation guides to support you and your patient have a good quality conversation about activity.
Moreover, you can find patient information leaflets summarising key information and topics on getting active with specific conditions.
The ultimate resource to help healthcare professionals integrate physical activity conversations into routine clinical care.
Local Activity
Active Together and our local partners are here to help you find a range of physical activity, sport and wellbeing opportunities across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland.
Referral Programmes
The Active 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.
FLiC
The Leicestershire Nutrition and Dietetic Service offer FLiC, a Family Lifestyle Club to residents in Leicester city. 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.
Weight Management
Leicestershire County Council Weight Management Service offer a range of weight management support for people aged 16 years and above* as well as a lifestyle programme for families of children aged 4-17 to help them develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Find out more about the programme using the link below.
Our Get Active Search Engine enables local residents to find local parks/open spaces, clubs, community groups and their activity sessions near them.
Weight Management Leicestershire
Leicestershire adult and children's weight management service.
Helping residents of Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland find local parks/open spaces, clubs, community groups and activity sessions all in one place.
Resources & Links
We Are Undefeatable aims to support people to build physical activity into their lives, in a way that their condition allows.
A campaign to encourage residents to move a little more.
The toolkit aims to provide an easy-to-read, practical guide for professionals involved in exercise referral schemes.
Public Health England: Physical Activity Guidelines: infographics
An App to help improve people's health and happiness.
For more information please contact:
Sophie Leming
Sports Development Officer (Active Medicine)
Active Together
I am working flexibly in the office or at home, therefore please contact me via email or phone number provided.
My areas of responsibility are:
- Telephone
- 01509 564871
- s.leming@active-together.org
(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
