Statistics show that one in four people in Somerset live with a long-term health condition. This often results in a person becoming less active, leading to isolation and loss of confidence. The ability to become more active, despite long term health conditions, can help a person’s physical and mental well-being, and lead to a better quality of life.
As part of Sport England’s national “We are Undefeatable” campaign which aims to inspire people with long term health conditions to increase their levels of physical activity, Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) has launched a specific campaign aimed at helping those in Somerset with long term health conditions to become more active.
Working in conjunction with Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and local GP practices, SASP is sending information booklets about how to exercise at home and signposting activities and events that people with long-term health conditions can access and can get involved with. SASP are also conducting a survey to help understand some of the challenges and motivations around activity and long-term health conditions. This feedback will inform the development and improvement of physical activity offers provided in Somerset.
Jane Knowles, CEO of SASP has told Tone News
Even during the current Covid-19 pandemic, with all the associated issues of social distancing and protecting those who are shielding, we are making sure that anyone with a long-term health condition is able to receive information and guidance about how to be more active, both at home and outdoors.
This Somerset-wide “We are Undefeatable” campaign is about helping people make and celebrate the small changes you can do every day to enable yourself to move more. We understand that when you’re living with a long-term health condition, some days this might just not be possible, and that’s OK. Moving more when you can is still just as important as accepting when you can’t.
SASP are fortunate to have 10 amazing ambassadors with long-term health conditions to share their inspirational and moving stories to demonstrate how physical activity has improved their health, and happiness through fun, friendships, and fitness.
All information and guidance about how to move more, exercises to do at home and outdoors, and links to support groups and activities can be found at on the SASP website or by calling 01823 653995.
