Recommendation 40

HM Government · verbatim extract Accepted

This Government agrees on the importance of ensuring that people, at risk of, and living with long-term conditions have access to movement opportunities that best meet their needs and circumstances. There is already existing guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence which includes recommendations on how physical activity plays a role in the prevention of and secondary prevention of chronic diseases and conditions We know that for most people living with a long-term condition, movement is safer than being sedentary, and so it is critical that people are supported to build some movement into their everyday routines and to do something that they enjoy and works for them. This is why Local Authorities, through investing some of the public health spend on physical activity, and the NHS through for instance, referral to physical activity support and social prescribing, are already signposting people to and providing a range of services to support the needs and care for people identified as being physically inactive and/or diagnosed or at higher risk of a long-term condition/chronic disease. These opportunities, some of which are delivered by local leisure providers and/or the voluntary and charity sector include aquatic/swimming classes, exercise classes, falls prevention through strength and balance classes for older adults, walking groups, parkrun/walk. At a national level, DHSC provides entry level population wide free digital support through NHS Couch to 5k and NHS Active 10, which are helping millions of people to move more. Local authorities also work with partners including the voluntary sector, businesses and sports clubs to support local communities with access to public leisure services, green and blue space, recreational space and playing fields, sports facilities, parks and outdoor gyms, playgrounds and access to walking and cycling routes. The We are Undefeatable campaign, funded by Sport England and run by the Richmond Group of Charities, inspires and supports people with long-term health conditions to move in ways that work for them.