Active Health & Social Care

Public Health Scotland published a study showing that over 3,000 deaths are due to physical inactivity, with the greatest risk of burden falling on those with long-term health conditions.

The Chief Medical Officer Sir Gregor Smith has published his annual report, highlighting that realistic medicine is key to delivering values-based health care, and the focus for this year is to drive forward careful and kind care that celebrates innovation and sustainability in practice.

Millions more moving builds on the public consultation undertaken for We Are Undefeatable, which heard from over 2,200 people with long-term conditions and those who support them.

Chief Medical Officer's (CMO) third annual report, and the seventh on Realistic Medicine. It reflects on the challenges our system is facing and asks professionals to practise Realistic Medicine, in order to deliver value based health and care and a more sustainable system. Scottish Government 2023.

Infographic to help health professionals explain the type and amount of physical activity that adults and older adults should be doing to improve their health. UK Government 2019

Infographic summarising what healthcare professionals should know before giving advice about risk to people living with long term conditions.

Physical activity campaign aimed at people with (multiple) long term health conditions. A ‘Supporter’s Hub’ included campaign insights and resources to help sport and physical activity sector get involved in supporting people with long term health conditions get active.

A half day workshop explains why daily walking plus strength and balance activity provide the key to active older age. Walk Leaders will learn how to do simple Strength and Balance exercises that can be introduced to walkers and on health walks. Each delegate will receive a set of cue cards and 5 leaflets. This course can be delivered for groups of up to 15 Walk Leaders online.

Active Hospitals is national programme designed to facilitate the integration of physical activity into care pathways in a secondary care setting. Active Hospitals aims to change the physical activity culture within hospitals to encourage patients to move more. Includes an interactive toolkit with templates, resources, documents, case studies and process support to implement an Active Hospital approach.

The Active Practice Charter celebrates GP practices that are taking steps to increase activity in their patients and staff. The charter outlines key principles of what it means for a practice to be active and the steps GPs and their teams can take to get there. To gain Active Practice accreditation, surgeries will need to show they've taken a number of steps. Practices that register for the charter receive resources and support.

National walking programme delivering and funding evidence-based behaviour change programmes in our communities, transport, workplaces, education and care settings, with a focus on the least active groups.

National programme to promote strength and balance. Designed by leading experts in ageing and health. Incorporates CMO Guidelines for increasing strength and balance in the adult and older adult population. Consists of resources and workforce training that will improve strength and balance and reduce the risk of falls. Includes printable take-home leaflets for adults and a follow-along YouTube exercise video. Provides signage for health and care settings to promote supported and self-led strength and balance activity​.

A set of steps health and social care professionals in primary and secondary care roles can take to encourage the people in their care to be more active. It targets adults who are inactive or not active enough to benefit their health and can be used in any face-to-face conversation between you and the person in your care.

A collaborative paper highlighting the positive contribution of physical activity across COSLA’s policy areas, the National Performance Framework and Scotland’s public health priorities. Draws on evidence to illustrate the direct and indirect benefits that contribute towards multiple outcomes and priorities simply by enabling people to be more physically active. COSLA, Public Health Scotland and sportscotland 2021

The National Walking Strategy outlines the vision of a Scotland where everyone benefits from walking. This Action Plan is a high level plan that has been developed to assist in the delivery of Let’s Get Scotland Walking. This Delivery Plan sets out how the actions to achieve shared outcomes align with the objectives set out in the WHO Global Action Plan for Physical Activity. Scottish Government 2019

Plan setting out actions that The Scottish Government and partners are undertaking, working together to encourage and support people in Scotland to be more active, more often. Scottish Government 2018

Brings together the key policy approaches to improving the uptake of walking and cycling in Scotland for travel. It has been produced collaboratively by Transport Scotland and key delivery partners, with input from Regional Transport Partnerships (RTPs) and local authorities. Transport Scotland 2020

Report on Scotland's six public health priorities. The priorities reflect the issues believed most important to focus on to improve the health of the nation. A foundation for the systemic change needed to achieve real and tangible improvements in the nation’s health and are intended to provide a focus for our collective efforts. Scottish Government and COSLA 2018

WHO global action plan and framework of effective and feasible policy actions to increase physical activity at all levels. Provides global leadership and stronger regional and national coordination, and advocates for the need for a whole-of-society response to achieve a paradigm shift in both supporting and valuing all people being regularly active, according to ability and across the life course. World Health Organisation 2018

This is where you will find further information on key insights and research that has been conducted throughout the course of the campaign, including behaviour change theory and Covid-19 insights. You can also find the research and insights which contributed to the original development and shaping of the campaign. Movement for ALL and Sport England 2019 – 2022

Movement for All aims to support people with long-term conditions to become more physically active in a way that suits them, and to collate and share lessons learned and good practice between organisations. This report summarises the work undertaken and supported by Movement for All. What they achieved – presents its overall impact. What they learned – explores key insights, learning and good practice recommendations from the programme. What next – examines next steps. The Richmond Group of Charities and Sport England 2022

This edition of Health Matters focuses on the benefit of physical activity for the prevention and management of long-term conditions in adults. Public Health England 2020

The communications framework provides guidance for the UK and devolved government administrations on how to communicate the UK chief medical officers’ physical activity guidelines to key professionals and practitioners who are required to know, understand and apply the guidelines in practice. UK Government 2023

Infographic explaining the physical activity needed for general health benefits for adults and older adults. UK Government 2019

WHO global action plan and framework of effective and feasible policy actions to increase physical activity at all levels. Provides global leadership and stronger regional and national coordination, and advocates for the need for a whole-of-society response to achieve a paradigm shift in both supporting and valuing all people being regularly active, according to ability and across the life course. World Health Organisation 2018

The International Society for Physical Activity and Health provides an overview of best evidence which can be used to advocate, inform and lead physical activity policy and discussion. A call to action for everyone, everywhere, including professionals, academics, civil society and decision makers, to embed physical activity in national and subnational policies. International Society for Physical Activity and Health 2020

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has a number of clinical pathways that highlight the role of physical activity in preventing and managing illness.

This analysis reinforces the importance of physical inactivity as a risk factor for non-communicable disease (NCD) in Scotland. It uses data to model the estimated burden of disease attributed to inactivity related to ischaemic heart disease (IHD) at multiple levels – national, health board and by local authority area. Public Health Scotland 2023

A report from the Chief Medical Officers in the UK on the amount and type of physical activity people should be doing to improve their health. UK Government 2019

Accessible evidence-based digital tool to help healthcare professionals find the latest condition specific evidence on the benefits of physical activity so that they may support people with health conditions become more active.

Infographic summarising what advice healthcare professionals should give to people living with long term conditions about physical activity including symptom specific considerations.

An evidence-based systems-wide approach to increasing levels of physical activity in Scotland for policy makers and practitioners. Includes a wide range of actions across multiple sectors and settings which will allow the necessary changes to be made to help get more people moving actively and lead to more positive health outcomes. Public Health Scotland 2022

WHO’s first dedicated assessment of global progress on country implementation of policy recommendations of the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA) 2018- 2030. Presents an estimate of the cost to health systems of not taking action to improve physical activity levels and reinforces the urgency to position physical activity as a shared, whole-of-government priority, and to strengthen coordination and partnerships to promote physical activity. WHO 2022

An advocacy tool designed to provide Scotland with an overview of physical activity prevalence, surveillance, research productivity and policy. World Health Organisation 2022

A global organisation consisting of physical activity researchers, epidemiologists, public health policy makers and practitioners that catalogues and analyses global data on physical activity and health.

The supplementary tables provide breakdowns of a range of indicators from the Scottish Health Survey by age group, deprivation, income and presence of long-term conditions. The tables highlight adult physical activity levels by longstanding limiting condition. The Scottish Government 2022

Health and factors relating to health of people living in Scotland. Findings on activity levels and muscle strengthening activity among adults. Breakdown on adult physical activity by Scottish Index of Multiple deprivation Index (SIMD. The Scottish Government 2022

This programme helps practitioners understand more about how to use physical activity or sport to achieve a range of outcomes. Includes: A short course - a free online course of self-directed study for those based in Scotland suited to those who may have a part time or volunteer role in using physical activity or sport to make a difference. A certificated training course - 3 days of training over 3 months with work-based learning. This full course is particularly suited to those working full time in this field, including both managers and practitioners. It is currently free to those based in Scotland.

A half day workshop that explains why walking, plus Strength and Balance provide the key to active older age. Participants will spend time learning how to encourage mobility and activity and build Strength and Balance into daily care. This course is delivered by qualified trainers who have extensive experience in health and social care.

Half day practical training course for Walk Leaders and staff/volunteers involved in leading outdoor activities. This training aims to increase confidence in supporting the inclusion of disabled people in outdoor activities such as Health Walks or other low level activities. The focus of this course is on ability rather than disability, and the aim is to help you to influence and deliver good practice, to communicate effectively and to find out where to go for further information. The course is delivered by experienced trainers from Scottish Disability Sport.

A half-day practical training course for Health Walk Leaders and Coordinators who would like to increase their knowledge and skills to deliver walks that are safe and enjoyable for people living with dementia.

This course is for Health Walk Leaders and Coordinators who would like more knowledge and skills in leading welcoming and more inclusive Health Walks for people of all abilities. This course aims to increase participants confidence in supporting the inclusion of people with disabilities, impairments and long-term conditions in Health Walks. It also aims to help participants to influence and deliver good practice, to communicate effectively, and to find out where to go for further information or support. The course is delivered by expert trainers from Scottish Disability Sport.

This course enables volunteers and staff to lead safe, effective and enjoyable Health Walks in a community setting as part of a Health Walk provider. This course can be delivered for groups of up to 15 online.

This learning hub is suitable for anyone who has an interest in understanding health inequalities in Scotland and the steps you can take to help reduce them. You will focus on understanding the link between discrimination, inequality, and health Inequalities. This will provide you with a strong foundation knowledge of the subject matter.

The aim of this learning is to support anyone who has a role in encouraging physical activity, and those working directly in physical activity to encourage and enable people to be more active. This includes those working in health and social care, leisure and the third sector.

The MAP of Health Behaviour Change Learning Programme aims to increase capability and capacity in all health and care staff to provide psychologically informed behaviour change support to the people they care for.

Population Specialism Professional Standards Qualifications & Degrees. These outline the minimum knowledge, skills and behaviours required by practitioners involved in the support and delivery of physical activity, exercise and behaviour change for adults who are inactive, at high(er) risk of developing or living with one or more long term conditions. and with disabled people.

CIMSPA Endorsed Continuing Professional Development opportunities in obesity/diabetes • chronic respiratory disease • long-term neurological conditions • cardiac disease • falls prevention • stroke • mental health • back pain.

A practical, evidence-based online learning course developed by clinicians, for clinicians that teaches you how to have quick, effective and positive conversations that encourage patients to do more physical activity. There are two courses available, a Foundations course, accredited with 6 CPD points and a Full course which incorporates Foundations and is accredited with 16 CPD points.

Evidenced based resource to help health and social care practitioners deliver physical activity screening, brief interventions and appropriate onward referral / signposting. Public Health Scotland.

Provides guidance for the UK and devolved government administrations on how to communicate the UK chief medical officers’ physical activity guidelines to key professionals and practitioners who are required to know, understand and apply the guidelines in practice. UK Government 2023

Four ways you can make a difference and help people with long term health conditions be more active. Information about why it’s important. Resources and case studies with more information and inspiration from good practice. The Richmond Group of Charities, The National Lottery and Sport England 2022

Five themes that influence the experiences of physical activity for those with long-term health conditions. Guidance for the health, sport and physical activity sector to better support people with health conditions become more active. Sport England Sheffield Hallam University and the National Centre for Sport & Exercise Medicine (NCSEM) 2023

This guideline covers providing brief advice on physical activity to adults in primary care. It aims to improve health and wellbeing by raising awareness of the importance of physical activity and encouraging people to increase or maintain their activity level.

This quality standard covers encouraging physical activity in people of all ages who are in contact with the NHS, including staff, patient and carers. It describes high-quality care in priority areas for improvement.

A set of professionally developed and evidenced based standards to assist the physical activity referral sector to develop, commission and deliver services in Scotland. The standards are aimed primarily at physical activity referral providers, as well as staff across health and social care, who have a key role in referral and commissioning of physical activity referral services. Public Health Scotland 2022

A set of steps health and social care professionals in primary and secondary care roles can take to encourage the people in their care to be more active. It targets adults who are inactive or not active enough to benefit their health and can be used in any face-to-face conversation between you and the person in your care.

Accessible evidence-based step-by-step guide to help healthcare professionals integrate physical activity conversations into routine clinical care. Includes Patient Consultation Guides and an Information Finder to help you give condition specific advice on physical activity at all stages of a patient’s treatment pathway.

An engaging platform featuring more than 7,000 inclusive sessions and a range of virtual workouts, hints and tips, and has been co-produced with disabled people.

Award winning step-by-step guide to help healthcare professionals integrate physical activity conversations into routine clinical care. Includes a Patient Information Finder that will take you directly to the disease specific physical activity advice and access to digital patient information leaflets.

A series of short physical activity videos, to help people with (multiple) long term conditions get active in the way that works for them, from the charities behind We Are Undefeatable.

A wide range of accessible and inclusive videos tailored for people with (multiple) health conditions available via YouTube.

Physical activity campaign aimed at people with (multiple) long term health conditions. Website & campaign resources including leaflets and posters that can be printed and distributed at locations including health and social care settings and leisure facilities.

Five years ago, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland conducted the most comprehensive survey they had ever undertaken with people living with chest, heart or stroke conditions in Scotland. This helped them to set out their vision of No Life Half Lived in Scotland for the first time. Now, five years later, they have conducted an even larger survey through an independent research company to find out how people’s experiences have changed over the last five years, and to include people living with Long Covid for the first time.

Movement for Health has undertaken a review of the physical activity and movement programmes offered by members of the coalition. This review aims to report on best practices within the coalition, while recognising areas of growth for the entire sector. This work involved a scoping review of each member’s website, as well as in-depth interviews with contacts from member organisations. In it, you’ll find an overview of what has been gathered, observations on the breadth of member’s work, as well as recommendations for moving forward.

Voluntary Health Scotland (VHS) report, Essential Connections, explores the range and scope of community link worker programmes across Scotland. The report is the culmination of eight months of research by the Scottish Community Link Worker Network’s Policy and Research Officer, Findlay Smith. His research included a survey of 60 community link workers (CLWs) working in GP practices and interviews with 18 community link worker programme leads and managers from across Scotland.

Street Design in Scotland is an award-winning design and engagement service Funded by the Scottish Government, Sustrans Scotland’s Street Design Programme. The scheme is open to local authorities, constituted community groups, other public agencies and statutory bodies and aims to empower communities to transform their neighbourhoods and urban spaces to support walking, cycling and wheeling.

Moving Healthcare Professionals is a national programme, led by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) and us, to support healthcare professionals to increase their knowledge and skills, and incorporate physical activity within routine care to support quality improvement and better patient outcomes.

The National Planning Framework (NPF) is a long term plan for Scotland that sets out where development and infrastructure is needed. A long term plan looking to 2045 that guides spatial development, sets out national planning policies, designates national developments and highlights regional spatial priorities. It is part of the development plan, and so influences planning decisions across Scotland. Scottish Government 2023

The COSLA Plan sets out the vision and priorities for Local Government and communities across Scotland. COSLA 2022

This paper provides a strategic framework with overarching principles and high-level recommendations, which inform and shape the provision of rehabilitation and recovery services across Scotland for the coronavirus (COVID-19) period and post coronavirus (COVID-19). Scottish Government 2020

A strategy from sport scotland outlining the vision for an active Scotland where everyone benefits from sport. Sport For Life sets out the assets available to Scottish sport and the approach we can take, working with partners, to help everyone benefit from sport - even people who don't take part in it.

The National Performance Framework sets out a vision for national wellbeing in Scotland – it is Scotland's wellbeing framework. It sets an overall purpose and vision for Scotland. It highlights the broad National Outcomes that support the purpose and measures how well Scotland is progressing towards those outcomes. Scottish Government 2018

Formulated by the United Nations General Assembly. A collection of seventeen interlinked objectives designed to serve as a "shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future". United Nations 2015

Evidence-based public health recommendations for children, adolescents, adults and older adults on the amount of physical activity (frequency, intensity and duration) required to offer significant health benefits and mitigate health risks. World Health Organisation 2020

CIMSPA Endorsed Continuing Professional Development opportunities in obesity/diabetes • chronic respiratory disease • long-term neurological conditions • cardiac disease • falls prevention • stroke • mental health • back pain.

E-learning module - CPD Accredited. This e-learning course prepares GPs, nurses and other healthcare professionals to champion the benefits of physical activity with their patients and, in doing so, help prevent and/or manage a range of common physical and mental health conditions. The course will familiarise the learner with the UK Chief Medical Officers’ physical activity guidelines, the underpinning evidence base and how to incorporate it into their daily clinical care.

An interactive learning resource to support people to develop the knowledge and understanding to make every contact by asking others about their health and well-being.

This series of evidenced-based e-learning modules for healthcare professionals to highlight the importance of physical activity and how it can produce health benefits with detailed evidence-based summaries on prevention, early intervention and treatment of long-term conditions.

Based on the best available evidence and practice, this toolkit aims to support all countries in strengthening physical activity assessment and counselling as part of primary health care. Countries can use this toolkit to help develop new protocols and services to promote physical activity within the health sector or to help review and improve existing approaches. World Health Organisation 2021

ALISS is a national digital programme enabling people and professionals to find and share information on resources, services, groups, and support in their local communities and online. ALISS can help you find information about resources like activities that offer opportunities for getting more active and for getting outdoors (e.g., sports clubs, community gardens).

The Actify platform is a free digital tool that enables sport and physical activity organisations to create and host digital content, learn from one another, and support their audiences.

Advice and apps to support you to become more active, incorporates physical activity behaviour change tools. Couch to 5k is a running programme for absolute beginners. Active 10 App is a motivational tool for increasing your daily steps.

Inclusive physical activity project transforming attitudes and perceptions towards disabled people and physical activity. Provides disabled people with empowering and supportive tools and resources.

Designed by leading experts in ageing and health. Incorporates CMO Guidelines for increasing strength and balance in the adult and older adult population. Printable take-home leaflets for adults and a follow-along YouTube exercise video. Provides signage for health and care settings to promote supported and self-led strength and balance activity​.