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COVID-19: Physical Activity Key Messages

  Introduction  

  It is recognised that there is an immediate need to provide credible, up to date information and advice around physical activity to support the Scottish public during the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). These messages will be circulated to stakeholders for use at their discretion and can be adapted appropriately to fit the relevant context. Public Health Scotland (PHS), in collaboration with stakeholders including Scottish Government Active Scotland Division, SportScotland, Paths for All and the University of Edinburgh Physical Activity for Health Research Centre have facilitated the development of these key physical activity related public health messages for the general population. The key messages focus on encouraging and enabling people to be active at home and or when physical distancing outside (subject to Scottish Government Guidance).  

  The current landscape  

  Due to the COVID-19 restrictions there is a significant increase in the risk of harm to physical and mental health from increased sedentary behaviour, increased physical inactivity, limited access to outdoors and potential increase in food /alcohol consumption and malnutrition.  

  Internationally, the World Health Organisation have published guidance on how to ‘Stay physically active during self-quarantine’. Nationally and locally, partners and services are adapting to the situation, with an increased emphasis on physical activities that can be done in the home, garden or within close proximity of home, adhering to physical distancing and non-essential travel guidance. National and local partners are looking for a single point of truth, to which professionals or the public can go to find up to date information on physical activity and COVID-19. The NHS Inform website is the obvious home for such information and the key messages below have been used to develop a COVID 19: Physical activity page within the COVID 19 section on the NHS inform website. A link to this page can be found here: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/healthy-living/coronavirus-covid-19-physical-activity 

  Target audience  

  Those at risk of inactivity due to COVID-19 stay at home and physicaldistancing restrictions: 

Over 70s self-isolating at home.  

Those at high risk from COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions self-isolating at home.  

Adults working from home (desk-based occupations).  

Children and parents at home with dual responsibility for childcare, education and in many instances work.  

Those being physically active daily outside the home. 

   Professionals – providing signposting from NHS Inform – Public Health Scotland website – to Health Protection Scotland website, where other planning COVID19 guidance is held.  

  Communication Channels  

Local services/community connections, particularly for those digitally excluded. A briefing via the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) will be drafted and a toolkit will be shared with the Local Government Communicators’ Group.  

Existing communications and networking channels utilised by PHS and partners.  

PHS and Partner Communications Teams  

Professional and voluntary networks with PHS and Partners currently work  

NHS Inform and Ready Scotland – In line with the mental wellbeing pages developed on NHS Inform, similar content could be developed to inform people on how to stay physically active during COVID-19. A link to this content could then be shared with partners and added to the Ready Scotland coronavirus webpages.  

Cross organisational and internal communications from Public Health Scotland. Briefings for colleagues will encourage them to share information with their own networks, where relevant and internal communications via the intranet and staff bulletins will ensure that colleagues are informed and can sign post others.  

  Measurement and evaluation  

To demonstrate impact and reach of the proposed communications, PHS and partners will be asked to record and collate analytics through the following channels:  

Social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)  

Web page analytics of content highlighted via these communications  

Email enquiries related to communications on healthy eating and COVID-19.  

  Key messages 

  Cross cutting themes: 

Benefits of staying physically active during COVID-19  

How to stay active when self-isolating  

How to stay active while staying at home  

How to stay active while physical distancing outdoors  

  Core messages and associated signposting   

  Target Audience 

Short message 

  Descriptive message 

Signposting resources:  

    General population 

  Be active, feel the difference. 

        Being active can help to enhance your mood, wellbeing and energy levels by helping to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Now more than ever, it’s important to move more.  

  NHS Inform: COVID 19: Physical Activity information https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/healthy-living/coronavirus-covid-19-physical-activity 

  Scottish Government, Physical Activity COVID-19 infographic https://www.nhsinform.scot/media/3065/coronavirus-physicalactivity-infographics-27032020.zip  

    General population 

    Something is better than nothing. 

        Any amount of physical activity, however small, is good for you. Continuing to enjoy short, local walks, jogs or cycles is a great way to clear your head and stay active. Remember to observe physical distancing guidance and stay local (or try to build into your commute). 

    Stay In Workout https://www.sportengland.org/jointhemovement#get_active_at_home  

  Paths for all: Keeping Active at Home 

https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/lets-walk/tips-and-stories/tip-and-story/keeping-active-at-home 

    General population 

  Stay active at home. 

      Stay active at home, by walking up and down stairs, dancing, gardening or taking part in a virtual fitness class. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you do something that you enjoy and keep moving. 

    Home-based strength and cardio workouts for adults: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/for-your-body/move-more/home-workout-videos/  

      General population 

  Get your daily dose of physical activity, fresh air and vitamin D. 

    Everyone is encouraged to be more active either at home or outdoors. Walking, jogging or cycling are a great way to be more active and to get to some fresh air and sunlight to boost your vitamin D levels.  

      NHS Inform: COVID 19: Physical Activity information https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/healthy-living/coronavirus-covid-19-physical-activity 

     Those able to leave the house to be more active. 

    Stay active, stay safe. 

  As lock down restrictions ease, you can now meet with people from one other household and enjoy non-contact outdoor activities in your local area. 

  So long as you adhere to hygiene and social distancing measures you can golf, hike, canoe, swim outdoors and go angling. 

  Ideally you should stay local and not travel further than 5 miles from your home. 

  Don't not travel outwith your local area to beauty spots or tourist hotspots to be active. 

  If you go somewhere and find it crowded, change your plans and go elsewhere. 

  Scottish Government: Route map for moving out of lockdown: 

https://www.gov.scot/news/route-map-for-moving-out-of-lockdown/ 

  Walking during periods of physical distancing: 

https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/lets-walk/tips-and-stories/tip-and-story/walking-during-periods-of-social-distancing 

  Sportscotland – Health and wellbeing: 

https://sportscotland.org.uk/covid-19/covid-19-health-and-wellbeing/ 

    Key workers travelling to work outside the home 

    Work out, when working out. 

  Walk and cycle if you can.  

    As key worker travelling to work, try and incorporate some walking or cycling as part of your journey. 

  Journey planner: 

https://www.travelinescotland.com/lts/#/travelInfo 

    Those working from home 

  Sit less, move more. 

    Be active throughout the day, breaking up the amount of time you spend sitting by standing and walking around every 30 minutes, or whenever you’re on the phone. 

    Advice and tips for home workers: 

https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/lets-walk/tips-and-stories/tip-and-story/advice-and-tips-for-homeworkers 

  Adults/ Older adults and those working from home. 

  Sit less, move more. 

  Break up the amount of time you spend sitting every 30 minutes by standing or walking whenever you’re on the phone, dancing around your home like no one’s watching, performing domestic chores, gardening or doing a few strength and balance exercises throughout the day. 

    Keeping active at home: https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/lets-walk/tips-and-stories/tip-and-story/keeping-active-at-home 

  Seated strength and flexibility exercises for adults with mobility issues: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/sitting-exercises/  

  Five-week strength and flex programme: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/strength-and-flex-exercise-plan/  

  Get Active at Home: https://www.sportengland.org/stayinworkout#get_active_at_home 

  Over 70s and those with underlying health conditions. 

    Move more, feel the difference. 

  There’s a risk of becoming less active as we spend more time at home. It’s important for your mental and physical health that you stay active. By building or maintaining your strength and balance you’ll find it easier to do daily tasks and move around. Here are some easy exercises that you can do in your home.  

    Link to Up and About booklet and NHS Inform Strength and Balance Exercises.  

  Parents and children  

  Stay active, stay safe at home or outside. 

  For parents and children, however young or old, it’s important to stay active for your wellbeing. This can be through active play whether indoors or outside, taking part in a virtual workout, dancing or going on a walk, jog or cycle as a family, are all great ways to improve mood, reduce boredom, stimulate learning and help with parent/guardian and child bonding. Remember to observe physical distancing guidance and stay local when going outside.  

    Parent Club, keeping active during coronavirus: https://www.parentclub.scot/articles/keeping-active-during-coronavirus-outbreak 

  Change4Life indoor games for children – https://www.nhs.uk/change4life/activities/indoor-activities  

  Change4Life accessible activities for children - https://www.nhs.uk/change4life/activities/accessible-activities 

  Play@Home books for 0-5 year-olds offer simple activities that can be done at home: http://www.healthscotland.com/uploads/documents/23142-Play@homeLeaflet_ForWeb.pdf 

    from Physical Activity and Health Alliance Latest additions http://www.paha.org.uk/Feature/covid-19-physical-activity-key-messages via IFTTT

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COVID-19 – Diet and Healthy Weight Key Messages

Introduction It is recognised that there is an immediate need to provide credible, up to date information and advice around food, nutrition and healthy eating to support the Scottish public during the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). Public Health Scotland (PHS), in collaboration with stakeholders including Scottish Government and Food Standards Scotland have facilitated the development of a set of key diet related public health messages for the general population. These messages will focus on encouraging and enabling people to maintain good nutrition and eat as healthily as possible at this time.   Changes in people’s food intake and eating habits during COVID-19 are highly likely as a result of school closures; self-quarantine/isolation; irregular access to food due to recommendations to limit trips to the shops; limited access to fresh produce; and disruptions in the food supply of certain other key items. For some, these may result in issues such as over consumption and even malnutrition. The economic impact of COVID-19 on household income also means that some people will be operating within even greater financial constraints, thus affecting their ability to make or access healthy choices.  Food is a prerequisite for health and good nutrition is vital in maintaining strong immune systems and lowering the risks associated with chronic illnesses and infectious diseases. The World Health Organisation has published ‘Food and nutrition tips during self-quarantine’, however national and local partners and services are looking for a single point of truth, to which professionals or the public in Scotland can be directed towards for guidance.  

Target audience The impact on food intake and eating habits as a result of COVID-19 is likely to affect everyone, without exemption. Therefore, key messages will be targeted at the general population for maximum coverage and will be applicable to groups including: Individuals in self-isolation and/or working at home Families (including those with children) in self-isolation at home Individuals and families who may have limited access to food currently Those at risk from symptoms of COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions Professionals/services providing signposting advice   Specific groups not covered/targeted by the developed messages are individuals following special diets or information prescribed from a GP or other health professional.   Communication channels Messages will be disseminated via existing communication and networking channels currently utilised by PHS in the first instance including:   PHS Communications Team (including website, Twitter and Instagram) Other, internal PHS teams currently working with groups and/or individuals on the food agenda (e.g. Community Food and Health Scotland) Partner Communication Teams (where possible) NHS Inform Other local services/community connections Professional and voluntary networks with which PHS and partners currently work   Where alternative communication routes not listed above are required (such as to reach those unable to access digital channels) further discussion and solutions with stakeholders will be sought.   The messages below should be interpreted and applied in a sensitive manner that recognises the situation which many individuals, families and communities currently find themselves in as a result of the effects of COVID-19.   Measurement and evaluation To demonstrate impact and reach of the proposed communications, PHS and partners will be asked to record and collate analytics through the following channels: Social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) Web page analytics of content highlighted via these communications Email enquiries related to communications on healthy eating and COVID-19.   Key messages  

Target audience:

Key message:

Descriptive message:

Signposting resources:

  All

Top line messages for framing:

  While we are living through the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to continue to eat well and stay active, during this time.

  Everything feels a bit different just now. Routines have been altered and our eating habits may have changed. However making a plan and being prepared can help us continue to eat well and stay active.

    The extra time spent indoors at the moment is a good opportunity to try new foods or recipes or get other family members involved in preparing and cooking meals. This can be an enjoyable way to pass the time, try something new and, for some, learn a new skill.

    Overarching message:

  We are all having to make changes to the way we live as a result of COVID-19. It is important that we continue to eat well and stay physically active at this time.

  https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19

General population

    Eat well

    Make a plan, feel prepared

Eating well and staying active is really important for both our physical and mental wellbeing.

  Eating a healthy, balanced diet which includes a variety of different foods will ensure you get all the essential nutrients and energy you need for throughout the day.

  To maintain social distancing and help stop the spread of Coronavirus we’re being advised to stay at home just now, so time outside is limited. This means you may not be getting enough vitamin D from sunshine exposure. As it's difficult to get enough from food alone, you should consider taking a daily 10 microgram supplement of vitamin D. This is particularly important for people who are indoors all of the time.

  You may be experiencing a number of changes in the way you buy or get access to food right now, planning meals and snacks and writing a shopping list is a good way to make sure you get everything you need, but will also help limit your time at the shops.

  Supermarkets and other food shops have enough stock for everyone if we shop sensibly.

Making sure that you only buy what you need helps avoid food going to waste and remember that you can often freeze leftovers for another meal.

  Food is an important part of our daily lives, not only for the energy that it provides us with but it’s also something that many of us enjoy. For those of us who have more time on our hands right now trying new foods or recipes with ingredients that are readily available, or getting family members involved in preparing and cooking meals may be an enjoyable way to pass the time, try something new and learn a new skill.

  NHS – Eatwell Guide:

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/the-eatwell-guide/

  NHS Inform – Eatwell Guide:

https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/food-and-nutrition/eating-well/eatwell-guide-how-to-eat-a-healthy-balanced-diet

  Food Standards Scotland – Eatwell Everyday:

https://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/consumers/healthy-eating/eatwell/eatwell-everyday

  Food Standards Scotland – Information on Vitamin D and sun exposure:

https://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/consumers/healthy-eating/nutrition/vitamins-minerals/vitamin-d-during-isolation

  Food Standards Scotland – Food safety advice:

https://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/consumers/food-safety/coronavirus

  Food Standards Scotland – Storing food safely:

https://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/consumers/food-safety/at-home/storing-food

  World Health Organisation – Food and nutrition tips during self-quarantine: http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-emergencies/coronavirus-covid-19/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-technical-guidance/food-and-nutrition-tips-during-self-quarantine

General population

      Eat to feel fuller for longer

    Snack smart

Basing our meals around starchy foods such as pasta, rice and potatoes is a good way to keep us feeling fuller for longer.

  For many of us, our shopping routines have had to change. We may be buying food from different retailers and may need to change brands or buy items that are slightly different from our regular purchases. Where access to some varieties of certain foods might be limited right now, this may be a good time to try something new, for example mixing some whole grain pasta with your normal variety.

  Eating a variety of fruit, vegetables and pulses (such as beans and lentils) is not only good for your health, but is another good way to keep satisfied throughout the day.

  Soups can be a quick and easy lunch solution, be made with whatever vegetables and pulses you have available to you and be a good way to use up leftovers. Pulses including beans and lentils can also be a good substitute for meat and can be added to soups and stews to make them go a little further.

  You may find yourself reaching for the fridge or cupboard to look for snacks more frequently at the moment, especially if you’re feeling bored or stressed. Try having a variety of healthy snacks to hand such as chopped fruits and vegetables, breadsticks, rice cakes and crackers.

  It may be harder to get out to buy fresh fruit and vegetables right now but remember tinned or frozen fruit and vegetables are just as good.

  Like snacking, you might find that you may be drinking alcohol more often just now, particularly when you feel stressed. Try to be aware of how much you’re drinking and when you do keep within the recommended limits of 14 units per week.

  NHS Inform – Eatwell Guide:

https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/food-and-nutrition/eating-well/eatwell-guide-how-to-eat-a-healthy-balanced-diet

  Food Standards Scotland – Eatwell Everyday:

https://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/consumers/healthy-eating/eatwell/eatwell-everyday

  NHS - Eat well recipes: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/

  NHS - Change4life recipes: https://www.nhs.uk/change4life/recipes

  World Health Organisation – Food and nutrition tips during self-quarantine: http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-emergencies/coronavirus-covid-19/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-technical-guidance/food-and-nutrition-tips-during-self-quarantine

  ParentClub – Information on healthy snacking ideas: https://www.parentclub.scot/articles/all-you-need-know-about-snacking

  NHS Inform – Information on drinking alcohol sensibly:

https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/alcohol

  NHS - Count 14 unit calculator:

https://count14.scot/#unit-calculator

      General population

Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluid throughout the day (aiming for at least 6-8 glasses) will help keep your body hydrated.

  Sometimes it’s easy to confuse hunger for thirst, so drinking often and throughout the day will help prevent this. Water from the tap is free and is a healthy choice for quenching your thirst at any time. It produces no waste, has no calories and contains no sugars that can damage teeth. Having a water bottle close by that’s used during the day is a good idea.

    NHS Inform – Water and other drinks:

https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/food-and-nutrition/eating-well/eatwell-guide-how-to-eat-a-healthy-balanced-diet#water-and-other-drinks

Parents and carers with children and young people

Get in the kitchen together

    Enjoy family meals

                For children and young people, being indoors and not being able to socialise with their friends can lead to them being bored, often resulting in regular cries of ‘I’m hungry’. Planning mealtimes and snacks together with children, as part of your daily routine could be one way to keep them busy, and help stop them heading for the cupboards.

  For younger children, ParentClub have a number of helpful suggestions on how to involve children in planning and making food. Making it fun and enjoyable will not only help pass the time but can encourage children to learn about food and cooking.

  For young people, this is a great time to let them loose in the kitchen and to develop the skills they need for the future. Asking them to plan and prepare healthy meals, finding new recipes for the family to enjoy or helping with shopping lists or online shopping will help them feel involved and can be a way to destress and keep them occupied.

    Priority shopping hours: https://priorityshoppinghours.com/

  Parent Club – Eating well at home:

https://www.parentclub.scot/articles/eating-well-at-home

  Parent Club – Staying at home with children: https://www.parentclub.scot/articles/staying-at-home-with-children

  Food Standards Scotland – Food safety advice:

https://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/consumers/food-safety/coronavirus

  Food Standards Scotland – Healthy eating education and activities:

https://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/education-resources

  NHS - Eat well recipes: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/

  NHS - Change4life recipes: https://www.nhs.uk/change4life/recipes

  Key workers

Rest, refuel and rehydrate

Try to take regular breaks, where possible, away from your workplace or caring responsibilities. Frequent shorter breaks are better for reducing fatigue and stress.

  Drinking water often throughout the day will help to keep you hydrated. This is especially important for people wearing PPE for long periods of time.

  Life can feel difficult at the moment but eating well and as healthily as you can, will help your body cope better with the demands placed on you during busy shifts. Focussing your meals and snacks around starchy food such as pasta, rice and potatoes and filling up on fruit and vegetables will help keep your energy levels maintained.

  Where possible, set aside some time to plan your meals and shopping to help you eat healthily when you are busy.

  World Health Organisation – Food and nutrition tips during self-quarantine: http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-emergencies/coronavirus-covid-19/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-technical-guidance/food-and-nutrition-tips-during-self-quarantine

  NHS Inform – Food and nutrition: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/food-and-nutrition

  Food Standards Scotland – Eatwell Everyday:

https://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/consumers/healthy-eating/eatwell/eatwell-everyday

  Priority shopping hours: https://priorityshoppinghours.com/

  Shielded high risk clinically vulnerable group

    For those of you who have been identified within the clinically vulnerable group, help is available to help you access food.

  If you have someone who can help shop or deliver food to you, making a list of the things you need will help them to shop swiftly and efficiently and limit the time they are at the shops. It might also be an idea to give them alternatives just in case what you would like is not available.

  There are also other services in place to support the shielded population.  Basic grocery boxes can be ordered and are being distributed by two food distribution companies and Local Authorities via local resilience partnerships. A priority online delivery service has also been set up with a number of the major supermarkets for those that fall within the high clinical risk group.

  More information on this is available in the letter you received or through NHS Inform and via the SMS service.

  Vulnerable people can also contact their Local Authority via an established helpline to facilitate local access to food.

  Your local convenience stores and other retailers might also be offering a delivery service to help you get the items you need.

  For some of us, spending time and eating in isolation will be very different to the way we normally go about our daily lives, but it is important we continue to eat healthily and stay active to keep us both physically and mentally well.

  Staying connected with others is also more important now than ever. If you can, arranging to eat at the same time as others while video chatting (using an online platform such as FaceTime, Zoom or WhatsApp) can give you something to look forward to and help make it feel like you are eating socially with friends and family.

  Priority shopping hours: https://priorityshoppinghours.com/

  NHS Inform – Information on shielding for the clinically vulnerable:

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19-shielding

      Breastfeeding mums (including expectant mums considering their options)

      This can be a worrying time for mums who are breastfeeding or those who are pregnant and considering their options. Breastfeeding supports your baby’s immune system and protects them from many common illnesses and as there is currently no evidence that the virus can be transmitted through breast milk, you should continue to do so. If you have any concerns you should speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP.

  Parent Club – Breastfeeding and coronavirus: https://www.parentclub.scot/articles/breastfeeding-and-coronavirus

  from Physical Activity and Health Alliance Latest additions http://www.paha.org.uk/Feature/covid-19-diet-and-healthy-weight-key-messages via IFTTT

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Cycling Scotland Annual Conference 2019

The 2019 Cycling Scotland conference takes place on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th November at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. The conference is expected to bring together over 250 professionals, campaigners, volunteers, and national and local politicians to share experiences, learn from each other and network to help support cycling in Scotland and beyond. Early-bird tickets available from £70 until 27th September. For more details on the conference, including how to register, please visit the conference website - https://www.cycling.scot/cycling-scotland-conference.

Exhibition opportunities are also available. Contact jenniferfingland@cycling.scot for more information.

  from Physical Activity and Health Alliance Latest additions http://www.paha.org.uk/Event/cycling-scotland-annual-conference-2019 via IFTTT

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Community Access Programme

***PAHA Award Winner 2014***

Community Inclusion Officer Edinburgh Leisure Edinburgh Leisure recognised that there is significant potential in their facilities, partnerships and technical expertise and at the same time, limitations with the capacity to deliver physical activity by some of the individual groups working with those hardest to engage across Edinburgh (given the population size and range in demographics.) Being aware of this issue Edinburgh Leisure drew together partner organisations to scope a solution. This process focussed on encouraging and supporting partners to deliver activities and take responsibility for barriers. Collaborating with over 250 organisations provided the innovative scheme that met these needs and served their purpose. The scheme delivers: • provision of free leisure cards to all organisations who sign up to the scheme • subsidised facility visits • staff training opportunities to improve confidence and competence to include physical activity in their projects • a dedicated Community Inclusion Officer to provide support, advice and management of the scheme • an individual referral scheme for people who leave support agencies to support independent living The programme continues to go through a process of innovation as they take community involvement in annual evaluations and the development of pilot schemes with individual organisations. The CAP scheme has been implemented as a core Edinburgh Leisure service since 2006 and is not reliant on external fundin. It is valued by the organisation as a key tool in engaging hard to reach communities. The scheme directly contributes to the organisations purpose: “...To make a positive difference to communities by creating opportunities for everyone to get active, stay active and achieve more.” In the 2013 evaluation survey for the scheme key support can be seen from organisations involved themselves: • 90.8% reported the CAP scheme making a positive difference to their service users/clients • 92.2% reported that CAP helped them deliver physical activity effectively Partnership is core and essential to the delivery of the CAP scheme. Organisations, staff and service users are consulted annually to influence the design and delivery of the programme. In 2012 the World Leisure Organisation also recognised the scheme as best practise by awarding it the World Leisure International Innovation Award at the World Leisure Congress. The CAP scheme has been designed and implemented to reduce the financial barrier of accessing sport and physical activity and therefore reduce the unequal access of these services. The scheme has also been essential in the design and delivery of products for those on the lowest incomes. Every May the Community Inclusion Officer runs a series of Community Roadshows meeting directly with partner agencies to support the development of their physical activity programming. This has led to events such as the Young Carers Family Celebration Day and a series of tasters for the BME community. In 2006 a significant expansion of the scheme made it open to community based services within NHS and City of Edinburgh Council. The expansion of activities to include racket sports, football and golf were also requested. These changes provided a huge shift in the activities on offer and the number of organisations who could be involved. Further recommendations were taken in 2011 to implement an individual referral form with a sole aim of supporting independent access to physical activity and leisure. This has been successful with over 4,500 referrals made since Jan 11. The CAP scheme works directly to increase physical activity opportunities for those who are least likely to participate in sport and physical activity. However, the programme has a far wider scope then purely increasing physical activity. By partnering with NHS and local voluntary services who provide support across many health outcomes, such as alcohol and drug dependency, mental health and physical conditions, CAP is a tool for wider health rehabilitation planning. VOCAL (Voice Of Carers Across Lothians) is one organisation that have fully evidenced the benefit of CAP. A pilot was run with VOCAL to individually refer carers to receive leisure cards and promote independent access. The project set out with clear objectives: • To engage as many community organisations as possible • To increase activity levels for those facing health inequality • To provide access to our facilities for those on the lowest incomes • To assist personal recovery, independent living and employability Partner organisation membership to CAP has grown from 133 in 2007 to 267 in 2012. In the 2013 evaluation survey for the scheme key support can be seen from organisations involved themselves: • 90.8% reported the CAP scheme making a positive difference to their service users/clients • 92.2% reported that CAP helped them deliver physical activity effectively StreetSoccer became a partner in the summer 2013 working with the CAP scheme to offer free football coaching for 45 adults referred from various agencies including employment, drug and alcohol rehabilitation and homeless hostels. 89% or participants stated that they would not have taken part in a structured coached activity due to cost. The programme works to help reduce health inequalities in a variety of services, of the 250 agencies involved 54.7% agreed that without the CAP scheme they would not provide physical activity as part of their service. Alongside monitoring the number of organisations involved we also track visits to activities with a total of 28,623 total visits in 2012, an increase from 23,323 in 2011. In 2011 the individual referral scheme was launched with 4,300 people being referred since to receive their own access card. This has proven an effective engagement tool with many individuals finding an affordable opportunity to continuing with their chosen physical activity. As stated we also consult with all of our partner agencies to identify the effectiveness of the programme: ‘One of the main problems we face for clients who have stopped using drugs/alcohol is filling the gap that substance has left. By having access to these cards we can encourage and support the client to use their time productively and attend gym sessions rather than sit in the house where they are at higher risk of relapsing’ Kennedy Walker, North Edinburgh Drug Advice Centre (NEDAC) In 2011, 103 carers received a CAP card to use independently of a support agency. 47 of these carers participated in a review which documented the CAP scheme to be assisting with an improvement in their health and wellbeing. Anecdotal evidence also shows the benefit of the scheme with carers saying: • “Since having the card, I have become a more healthy and stronger person; it stopped me getting depressed and anxious” • “I had back surgery 3 years ago and had weakness in my legs since then swimming and occasional aquafit sessions have greatly improved my leg weakness.” In 2014 the scheme will conduct a training needs analysis that will highlight where organisations feel that they need to expand their knowledge bases. This may mean providing disability inclusion training for sport, sport leader awards or basic physical activity training. Using these challenges as part of the planning process will allow the scheme to grow with an increase in people using the programme. The scheme will continue to transform over the next few years, reflecting the needs of the organisations in the scheme. At the CAP conference 2014 developments will be announced such as Twilight Gym and Swim sessions, extension of the individual referral programme, and the launch of new disability training opportunities. This aims to reflect the consultation with the agencies but also to provide much need capacity into the delivery of physical activity and sport. The scheme in partnership with Autism Initiative will be launching a brand new toolkit to help support adults with autism to be more active. Key challenges will continue to be in the organisations capacity to use physical activity within their service. In the 2013 survey 74% or respondents highlighted that funding restricted how much physical activity and support could be delivered. from Physical Activity and Health Alliance Latest additions http://www.paha.org.uk/CaseStudy/community-access-programme via IFTTT

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11th annual Walking, Cycling, Connecting Communities Conference

from Physical Activity and Health Alliance Latest additions http://www.paha.org.uk/Event/11th-annual-walking-cycling-connecting-communities-conference via IFTTT

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Play builds children

The statement and evidence for the policy statement can be found here: https://childrensplaypolicyforum.wordpress.com/play-builds-children/

from Physical Activity and Health Alliance Latest additions http://www.paha.org.uk/Announcement/play-builds-children via IFTTT

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John Muir Day 2019

from Physical Activity and Health Alliance Latest additions http://www.paha.org.uk/Event/john-muir-day-2019 via IFTTT

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LEAP Sports Scotland's Festival Fortnight

from Physical Activity and Health Alliance Latest additions http://www.paha.org.uk/Event/leap-sports-scotlands-festival-fortnight via IFTTT

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Raising the bar on strength and balance: The importance of community-based provision

from Physical Activity and Health Alliance Latest additions http://www.paha.org.uk/Resource/raising-the-bar-on-strength-and-balance-the-importance-of-community-based-provision via IFTTT

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Strong, Steady and Straight: An Expert Consensus Statement on Physical Activity and Exercise for Osteoporosis

'Strong, Steady and Straight' is a resource from the Royal Osteoporosis Society aims to give health practitioners the information and tools needed to advise osteoporosis patients on correct exercises and movements that may: Promote bone strength to reduce fracture risk, Reduce falls risk, and Help with the pain and symptoms associated with vertebral fractures.

A short guide is available to view here, as well as a simple process for accessing the long guide.

from Physical Activity and Health Alliance Latest additions http://www.paha.org.uk/Resource/strong-steady-and-straight-an-expert-consensus-statement-on-physical-activity-and-exercise-for-osteoporosis via IFTTT

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Call for Articles: Social Inclusion: 'Sport for Development'

Social Inclusion, the peer-reviewed open access journal, is welcoming abstracts (1 July 2019 deadline) for articles in their 'Sport for Development: Opening Transdisciplinary and Intersectoral Perspectives' issue to be published March/April 2020

This thematic issue aims to advance scientific understanding about sport and development by adapting both a transdisciplinary and intersectoral perspective. We challenge authors to reflect on programs, policies and broad issues in relation to sport, development and social inclusion, and welcome papers from the broad applied fields of health, education, social/youth work, management, crime and rehabilitation.

Authors interested in contributing an article to this issue are asked to read the full call for papers here.

from Physical Activity and Health Alliance Latest additions http://www.paha.org.uk/Announcement/call-for-articles-social-inclusion-sport-for-development via IFTTT

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TravelWest: Transport and Health Essential Evidence

TravelWest, a 'one-stop website for travel information in the West of England' publishes a wide variety of evidence briefings covering the UK, with a focus on sustainable and active travel. Robust academic studies are covered in the briefs, with topics form air quality, health and behavior change, cycling, walking, health effects,  and public policies.

  from Physical Activity and Health Alliance Latest additions http://www.paha.org.uk/Resource/travelwest-transport-and-health-essential-evidence via IFTTT

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Transport Research Institute: Essential Evidence 4 Scotland

Since November 2018, Transport Research Institute of Edinburgh Napier have been publishing a fortnightly one-page plain-English set of summaries on aspects of transport planning from robust peer reviewed studies.

Summaries cover many aspects of transport, including Active Travel, cycling, walking, and air quality. 'The ultimate aim is to increase the use of robust evidence-based research in order to improve the health outcomes of local authority transport interventions. At least twenty one page summaries are being issued in the first 12 months. Over a longer period the ambition is to build a library of accessible summaries of peer reviewed evidence increasingly known of and used across Scotland.'

from Physical Activity and Health Alliance Latest additions http://www.paha.org.uk/Resource/transport-research-institute-essential-evidence-4-scotland via IFTTT

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Exercise Referral: Learning Exchange

In 2019, NHS Health Scotland are hosting the first of a series of learning and knowledge exchange session for those engaged in the development, delivery and governance of Exercise Referral in Scotland.

This event on 13th March at Cosla in Edinburgh will showcase learning from national and local approaches to Exercise Referral, exploring the core components of effective practice. In addition, this event will also begin the process of developing a national logic model for Exercise Referral through which a consistent approach to monitoring and evaluation can be achieved.

from Physical Activity and Health Alliance Latest additions http://www.paha.org.uk/Event/exercise-referral-learning-exchange via IFTTT

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BHF Exercise Referral Toolkit.

**Update Feb 2019: note change of link address**

The aim of this toolkit is to provide an easy-to-read, practical guide for all those professionals involved in the delivery, coordination, commissioning and evaluation of exercise referral schemes. These professionals include general practitioners, practice nurses, community nurses, allied health professionals (physiotherapists, dieticians etc), exercise professionals, health promotion/ public health specialists, commissioners and researchers.

The toolkit has been developed in consultation and collaboration with a range of professionals involved with exercise referral schemes and key national stakeholders.

It draws upon current Government policy for the design and delivery of quality assured exercise referral schemes; it is NOT a replacement for such national policy. Furthermore it should NOT be used in isolation from the National Quality Assurance Framework for exercise referral schemes (NQAF).

It is a tool to aid the design, delivery and evaluation of exercise referral schemes, but is NOT POLICY. It uses the evidence base and local scheme practice to support schemes in meeting the guidelines set out within the National Quality Assurance Framework and to raise standards within schemes.

Using The Toolkit:

The toolkit recognise that capacity, resources and funding vary across schemes and that some schemes are struggling to implement elements of the National Quality Assurance Framework and consequently may struggle to adopt some of the recommendations set out within the toolkit.

The toolkit is not designed as a 'blueprint' for how exercise referral schemes must be designed, implemented and evaluated; it offers some best practice principles for all those involved in the delivery, management and commissioning of exercise referral schemes. It is for individual schemes to consider whether the implementation of these principles will improve the design, delivery and effectiveness of their scheme, given the capacity and resources available.

Many schemes may already be meeting the recommendations outlined within the toolkit, in which case the toolkit can be used as a resource for professionals to take a fresh look at their scheme or as a guide for on-going reflection.

Contents of Toolkit:

Section 1: Background technical report: outlining the rationale for the toolkit and the developmental process.

Section 2: A snapshot of exercise referral schemes operating in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland during 2006-2008.

Section 3: A synopsis of exercise referral research.

Section 4: A quick reference guide to exercise referral schemes for referring healthcare professionals.

Section 5: Guidance for exercise professionals working with referred patients.

Section 6: Guidance for exercise referral scheme coordinators.

Section 7: A guide to commissioning exercise referral schemes.

Section 8: A guide to evaluating exercise referral schemes.

Section 9: A qualifications and training guide.

The final section of the toolkit, the appendices, includes sample forms, templates letters, tools and questionnaires.

from Physical Activity and Health Alliance Latest additions http://www.paha.org.uk/Resource/bhf-exercise-referral-toolkit via IFTTT

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Out to Play: Practical guidance for creating outdoor play experiences in early learning and childcare

from Physical Activity and Health Alliance Latest additions http://www.paha.org.uk/Resource/out-to-play-practical-guidance-for-creating-outdoor-play-experiences-in-early-learning-and-childcare via IFTTT

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Public attitudes to reducing overweight and obesity in Scotland

from Physical Activity and Health Alliance Latest additions http://www.paha.org.uk/Resource/public-attitudes-to-reducing-overweight-and-obesity-in-scotland via IFTTT