Summary

A motivational, person-centred program to support individuals in making and working towards achievable realistic goals for physical activity. There is a particular focus on considering active travel (walking and cycling) as part of those goals. Over three months, enrolled individuals have three meetings with the link worker, starting with an hour long meeting, with two subsequent follow up meetings, and the option of using Florence text message support as well. They can signpost individuals on to relevant local active and green health initiatives. All consultations now all delivered on NHS Near Me remote consulting software.

Introduction to activity and delivery organisation

The two link workers work with individuals to make person-centred activity plans, and use a motivational approach. Both link workers come from a strong background in supporting individuals in a holistic way, and have been training in motivational interviewing, Decider Skills, Well Now approach to healthy weight. They are employed by Velocity Café and Bicycle Workshop a local social enterprise which has been delivering a number of projects around physical and mental wellbeing over the last few years, including a well established Cycle to Health program.

User / client group

Any patients  (aged over 18) identified in primary care by a variety of health professionals (GPs, nurses, health care assistants, pharmacists, physios) as being inactive and willing to consider some motivational support in becoming more physically active.

Location

Started at two GP practices (Cairn Medical Practice, large urban practice, and Aviemore Medical practice, medium sized semi-rural); now spread to a wide variety of urban and rural practices across the NHS Highland area.

Outcomes

Measured outcomes: self reported physical activity, self reported use of active travel (walking, cycling, public transport), wellbeing scores (Short EWMBS)

Walking the predominant choice of activity and high rates of achieving planned goals. See attached report. Wellbeing scores improved and very positive feedback from participants on experience.

Key learning points

Walking (mostly individually, not as part of group walks) is a commonly achieved goal.

Participating individuals in this person centred motivational approach consistently report an improvement in wellbeing scores alongside a high level of reported adherence to goal of becoming more physically active.

Testimonials

“Once I’ve done it, I’m like ‘Wow, I do feel like I can achieve this’ and … I’ve gone from ‘Och, I’ll never get this done, I’ll never be able to do that’, to like ‘Yeah you can. If you can try, you can do it’.”

Future plans / next steps

Extending the project across the Highland area, and working in close collaboration with other Green Health Partnership delivery organisations.

More information available from: 

activehealth@velocitylove.co.uk

http://velocitylove.co.uk/active-health