Health

Health is a significant focus area for the Active Partnerships network and we are committed to supporting those who are inactive to move more, to improve both their physical and mental health. To do this, we work closely with stakeholders and partners in the health and care sector.

Ultimately, we want physical activity to be fully recognised and integrated within health and care systems, as there is a wealth of evidence confirming that being physically active can play a crucial role in the prevention and management of long-term conditions and diseases.

The aim is for physical activity to be fully embedded and recognised as a key part of healthcare. We also recognise that we have an untapped sector-wide workforce that could similarly play a key role in supporting people to self-manage their own health and in turn, help to reduce the pressure on our health and care colleagues.

More than 90% of our Active Partnerships recognise that integrating physical activity into health and care is a high priority in their local areas. However, many people are unaware of the significant contribution physical activity can make to primary prevention, prehabilitation and rehabilitation.

Bridging this awareness gap is pivotal to unleashing the full potential of physical activity in health and care.

At a national level, we work collaboratively with key partners such as Sport England, NHS England and OHID (Office for Health Improvement and Disparities), along with other partners.

Locally, Active Partnerships work with a range of partners too, including Integrated Care Boards, local authorities, public health functions, a range of voluntary sector partners, and local activity providers.

Collectively, we play a huge role in raising awareness, acting as strategic enablers and building relationships to highlight the positive impact that improved activity levels can have on everyone’s physical and mental health and wellbeing.