The new #EasierToBeActive resources are aimed at those working in sectors that promote and deliver physical activity for people with long-term health conditions – such as healthcare workers and those working in sport and physical activity.
It comes as one-in-three adults currently live with a health condition and are twice as likely to be amongst the least physically active. Physical inactivity remains one of the top ten causes of disease and disability in England and is responsible for one-in-six deaths in the UK – the same number as smoking.
Long-term health conditions are chronic mental or physical health conditions that require ongoing management and treatment over a period of years or decades. Examples include arthritis, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, angina, heart failure and high blood pressure (hypertension).
Research from the NCESM, based at Sheffield Hallam’s £14m Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, has informed the #EasierToBeActive guidance.
The report states that supporting people with long-term health conditions into activity is critical in increasing population physical activity levels, reducing inequalities and improving overall wellbeing and management for people with health conditions.
Sarah Ruane, interim director for policy and integrity at Sport England said: “Helping everyone to live active lives is at the heart of Sport England’s mission. That’s why the Easier To Be Active guidance is so important; it highlights the changes the sport, physical activity and health sectors can make together, to create a positive physical experience, especially for people living with long-term health conditions. This can play a role in improving health and reducing health inequalities, a shared ambition of both Sport England and the health sector.”
Dr Anna Lowe, programme manager for the NCSEM Sheffield, said: “#EasierToBeActive has engaged with many people from many parts of the physical activity system. We hope that the co-produced outputs will provide practical guidance for partners on how to make it easier to be active with a health condition, and also stimulate further research and activity in this area.”
The national #EasierToBeActive conversation saw over 600 people – including many with personal experience of a long-term health conditions – contribute solutions. This co-created approach to supporting the design and redesign of systems, policy, services and practice will empower more people with health conditions to gain the benefits of moving more, in a way that suits them.
The project has also been delivered in partnership with the Office of Health Improvement and Disparities, Richmond Group of Charities and Clever Together.
The #EasierToBeActive guidance has already been used to inform the development of the Sport England Uniting the Movement Strategy and Implementation Plans.
Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of the population through innovations that help people move.
