ukactive has launched a new blueprint to help the physical activity sector work more closely with health services. The blueprint was developed with support from Lincolnshire ICB and Active Lincolnshire. Mike Farrar, Chair of ukactive and former NHS Confederation CEO, presented it at the Active Uprising event in Westminster on Thursday, 6 March.
A joint effort to build a healthier nation
Five Active Partnerships helped shape the blueprint, along with local ICBs, NHS England, Government officials, Sport England, NHS Horizons, and ukactive members. The goal is clear: to build a healthier nation by connecting the NHS with the physical activity sector.
The blueprint supports the Government’s aim to shift focus from treatment to prevention and from hospitals to community care. It is the first joint framework created by both the health and physical activity sectors. ukactive-Active-Partnerships-ICS-Blueprint
Clear principles for long-term change
The blueprint sets out key principles and actions to help the NHS and its partners meet the targets in the 10-year health and care vision.
Mike Farrar said:
“Social prescribing and adding physical activity to care plans can help thousands of people living with long-term health conditions. It can reduce hospital admissions and help people stay independent.
“The upcoming 10-year health plan is a chance to change direction. It should move priorities and funding towards prevention, with the physical activity sector as a key partner.
“If we don’t act now to improve public health through prevention, we’ll struggle to grow our economy as we hope to.”
Eight key components to drive local impact
The blueprint includes eight main components. These will support good governance, strong partnerships, clear pathways, and effective communication. The aim is to increase access to physical activity and improve local health outcomes.
Over time, the blueprint hopes to end the ‘postcode lottery’ in access to physical activity and health programmes. It supports industry-led initiatives becoming a core part of the health and care system.
Local leaders back the Blueprint
John Turner, CEO of NHS Lincolnshire ICB, said:
“In Lincolnshire, we see physical activity as vital for improving health and wellbeing. From early prevention to long-term recovery, being active helps us all. The NHS in Lincolnshire will keep playing its part and working with others to deliver this blueprint.”
Emma Tatlow, CEO of Active Lincolnshire, added:
“This blueprint shows what’s possible when we work together. We’ve built strong partnerships in Lincolnshire to meet our communities’ health needs. This framework can now guide other areas too.“Our work with the national Active Partnership network also supports our mission to embed physical activity in health and care.”
A timely launch ahead of the 10-Year Health Plan
The release of the blueprint comes as the Government prepares its 10-year health plan, due in Spring 2025. Physical activity helps prevent over 20 chronic conditions. These include type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, depression, and dementia. It saves the NHS over £4.1 billion each year.