In September 2009 ministers launched the ‘Let’s Get Moving’ programme which contained guidance on a new physical activity care pathway for the NHS. This is now running in Cornwall with 1000 patients a year under the age of 45 taking part. However, people aged 50+ were not included, and so the Lander and Three Spires Practice and Public Health (PCT) applied to the Cornwall Works 50+ and 50+ Cares Innovation Fund for their pilot ‘50+ Move for Health’.
This project builds on the ‘Let’s Get Moving’ programme and is for those aged 50+ who would like to work, building on the positive link between health and employment. The objective is to work with individuals to reduce their ill-health through increased physical activity and physical fitness – as part of their journey towards training, volunteering or work. Each participant will have a thorough musculoskeletal assessment and be supported to identify individual goals before joining some group activity.
Group activity has proven advantages including providing social benefits and building confidence. The programme includes 6 group sessions, with a follow-up after three months to gage progress and to identify if further activity would be beneficial for the individual. Links have already been made to other support e.g. the Cornwall Works National Careers Service advisor is on hand and there is access to a whole range of back to work programmes through the Cornwall Works Hub.
For more information on Move for Health please contact Bev Wilson, the Cornwall Works 50+ and 50+ Cares Project Manager on bwilson@cornwall.gov.uk or 01872 355008.
