Drive To Get People With Long-Term Health Conditions More Active

Charities have launched a campaign to encourage millions of people with long-term health conditions to get active.

An estimated one in four (15 million) people in England live with one or more long-term health conditions, and are twice as likely to be inactive, according to Sport England, despite evidence that even small amounts of activity can significantly improve overall health and well-being.

Fifteen health and social care charities have come together to launch the We Are Undefeatable campaign, which is also backed by National Lottery funding from Sport England.

Juliet Bouverie, chief executive of the Stroke Association and lead campaign spokeswoman, said: “Whether you lose your breath from playing with the grandchildren or going for a brisk walk, this campaign is about enjoying being active on the good days and getting through the bad.

“As this survey shows, people want to be more active because it improves their mood and well-being.

“I’m hugely excited about helping more people living with a health condition feel that physical activity is possible, with lots of ideas about the ways that you can keep moving.

llr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said:“Across the country, councils are developing exciting and innovative programmes to encourage older people, including those with long-term conditions and disabilities, to access physical activity.

“Council services, such as leisure centres and parks, have a key role to play in helping people with long-term conditions keep active and well.

“They also help to reduce NHS and social care spending, prevent loneliness and improve health and wellbeing.

“Councils want to continue providing their residents with inclusive facilities to stay active. It is vital that the Government uses the upcoming Spending Round to give councils financial certainty so they can plan for the future and meet the needs of their residents.”