SOMERSET Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) has launched a specific campaign aimed at helping those in the county with long term health conditions to become more active.

It is part of Sport England’s national ‘We re Undefeatable’ campaign which has seen increased awareness of the improvement that moving more has on physical and mental wellbeing.

And it has proved such a success that chief executive of Somerset’s Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) James Rimmer has become an Ambassador for Somerset’s We Are Undefeatable programme.

He has a long-term heath condition and is one of ten ambassadors with long-term health conditions who support the campaign by sharing their inspirational stories to demonstrate how physical activity has improved their health, and happiness through fun, friendships, and fitness.

James said: “As both a user of the NHS, and a commissioner of services, I can bring both my personal and professional experience to help promote and support this incredibly valuable work being undertaken by SASP.

“As a keen cyclist, I appreciate how being active is important for me to manage my condition. I also understand the challenges it brings, especially during this period with the requirement to shield.”

Statistics show that one in four people in Somerset live with a long-term health condition. This often results in a person becoming less active, leading to isolation and loss of confidence. The ability to become more active, despite long term health conditions, can help a person’s physical and mental well-being, and lead to a better quality of life.

Working in conjunction with Somerset CCG and local GP practices, SASP is sending information booklets about how to exercise at home and signposting activities and events that people with long-term health conditions can access and can get involved with.

SASP is also conducting a survey to help understand some of the challenges and motivations around activity and long-term health conditions. This feedback will inform the development and improvement of physical activity offers provided in Somerset.

Jane Knowles, CEO of SASP said: “Even during the current Covid-19 pandemic, with all the associated issues of social distancing and protecting those who are shielding, we are making sure that anyone with a long-term health condition is able to receive information and guidance about how to be more active, both at home and outdoors.”

“This Somerset-wide We are Undefeatable campaign is about helping people make and celebrate the small changes you can do every day to enable yourself to move more.

“We understand that when you’re living with a long-term health condition, some days this might just not be possible, and that’s OK.

“Moving more when you can is still just as important as accepting when you can’t.”

Information and links to support groups and activities can be found at www.sasp.co.uk/long-term-conditions, and Ambassadors’ blogs can be found on the SASP website. More information can also be obtained from the SASP head office on 01823 653995.

Pictured are some undefeatable people practising seated exercise in February.