NHS launches new campaign in the South West

In the South West, around 22 per cent of people do less than 30 minutes of movement a week, according to a recent survey from Sport England.

Additionally, Sport England’s data for local authorities suggests that Teignbridge is one of the most inactive areas in the region, with 27.5 per cent of the population doing less than 30 minutes of movement a week.

In Bristol, almost 20 per cent of people said they do less than 30 minutes of movement a week, making Bristol one of the least inactive areas of the South West.

In fact, 71.9 per cent of people in Bristol said they did at least 150 minutes of movement a week.

While Bristol, and the South West as a whole, is doing well compared to other areas (in the North East, for example, 28 per cent of people say they do less than 30 minutes of movement a week), there is still work to be done to encourage more people to lead active lives.

This is why the NHS launched their South West Every Move Matters campaign on Monday.

NHS physical activity guidelines say most adults should aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week.

In 2021, Bristol City Council worker Sophia Brown founded Bristol Steppin Sistas which organises wellbeing walks for women of colour. The group now has 1800 members – photo: Sophia Brown

Through their Every Move Matters campaign, the NHS are encouraging people in the South West to remember that “any movement is better than none” and that everyone should strive to “break up long periods of sitting with light activity to reduce the risk of health issues like heart disease”.

Dr Justin Varney Bennett, South West regional director of public health said: “Every move, at every age and at every ability can have an impact on how we feel.

“Being active every day is a really simple way to be healthier at every stage of life, whether it’s playing catch with your grandchildren, dancing round the living room or walking to work, getting moving has huge benefits for physical and mental health, and it’s fun!

“The Chief Medical Officer recommends for adults at least 150 minutes of moderate activity every week with strength building exercises on at least two days.

“Moderate physical activity is the kind that gets you a bit warm and breathing a bit harder but you can hold a conversation, and there are loads of ways to build it into everyday life.

“However, according to Sport England’s latest Active Lives survey, nearly 1 in 4 adults in England are classed as inactive, doing less than 30 minutes of moderate activity a week, and in the South West about a third of adults aren’t reaching the recommended levels to improve health.

“That’s why we’re championing Every Move Matters, from walking the dog to adding in a couple of trips up and down the stairs, it all counts…One of the brilliant things about the South West is we have so much on our doorsteps from festivals to farm shows, coastal paths to castles, ballrooms to beachcombers, and as the weather improves it’s a great time to get out and about and get active.

“And don’t forget to tell us about it by sharing photos or stories on social media using #EveryMoveMatters.”

Main photo: Sophia Brown

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