A new campaign helps people with long-term health conditions move more

Brighton & Hove City Council^1,2,3,4 has launched a local version of We Are Undefeatable⁶, a national campaign that supports people living with long-term health conditions to move more in ways that suit them. It was developed with Active Sussex and the national campaign team, and supports the city’s Let’s Get Moving strategy.

More than 65 people from the NHS, community and voluntary groups, Active Sussex and other partners came to the launch on Monday 8 September. Six local storytellers spoke there about staying active with conditions including Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and osteoporosis. The council says it will share their stories throughout the campaign.

One story the council has published is Eugene’s. Eugene, 72, was diagnosed with osteoporosis. He played badminton for years, but as his condition progressed he could no longer play at the same level. At an open day at King Alfred Sports Centre, one of the team suggested a class in Moulsecoomb. Two years on, he still goes every week.

“I arrived with great trepidation. I didn’t know anybody and it felt like diving in at the deep end,” he said. “The easy option is not opening that front door.”

He said his sister had noticed “quite a change in my posture”, and that he has “never regretted attending a session”.

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, the council’s cabinet member for communities, equalities, public health and adult social care, said: “We know that living with a long-term health condition can make it harder to be active, but even small amounts of movement can make a real difference to physical and mental wellbeing.”

The council’s advice is that moving more does not have to mean intense exercise. For people who want more structure, the Freedom Leisure Health Referral Programme is a 12-week programme of gym, swim and exercise classes and three 1-2-1 sessions with a qualified exercise referral instructor. The council says it offers discounted access to gyms, swimming and exercise classes. Your GP, nurse, physiotherapist or other healthcare professional may be able to refer you.

The Ageing Well Festival runs from Friday 25 September to Friday 9 October and features more than 130 events. It is for people aged 50 and over. Bookings are online or on 01273 322948. The Ageing Well team also runs a freephone line, 0808 175 3234, for people over 50 looking for groups and activities.