Integrating Physical Activity into Health and Care at Place – Making Sense of It

Earlier this month, Active Sussex joined colleagues from across the country in Birmingham for the ‘Integrating Physical Activity into Health and Care at Place – Making Sense of It’ event.

This national event led by Active Partnerships, brought together partners from across the health, care and physical activity sectors to share learning, spark ideas, and explore how we can all work more closely to embed physical activity into health and care systems, both nationally and locally.

In partnership with Sport England and NHS Horizons, the day created space to pause and reflect on progress so far.

It also looked ahead to what’s next, and consider how national priorities such as the NHS Fit for the Future 10-Year Plan and Neighbourhood Health can translate into meaningful local action.

Sharing the Sussex experience

Representing Active Sussex, Ross Joannides (pictured), Strategic Relationship Manager, joined a panel discussion to share insights from Sussex and highlight the growing collaboration with East Sussex Adult Social Care.

“It was fantastic to be part of this event,” said Ross. “There was such positive energy in the room, and it was a brilliant opportunity to share the journey we’ve been on in East Sussex, particularly around how we’re working hand-in-hand with Adult Social Care to embed movement into everyday practice.”

Ross added that conversations during the event reinforced the value of working in partnership.

“Our work at ‘Place’ shows just how much can be achieved when health, care and physical activity professionals pull in the same direction,” he said. 

“It’s not about adding more to people’s workloads. It’s about weaving movement into what’s already happening, and supporting people to live well for longer.”

Ross said it was equally inspiring to hear from other Active Partnerships across the country.

“There’s some fantastic work happening nationally. It’s clear we’re all united by the same ambition – to make physical activity a normal, natural part of everyday life, for everyone.”

Looking ahead

The event reinforced a shared commitment across the Active Partnerships network to keep physical activity front and centre in the health and care conversation.

By continuing to strengthen relationships and build understanding across sectors, there’s huge potential to make a real impact, and help more people to move more, improve their wellbeing, and reduce inequalities.

“We’re really looking forward to building on this work locally,” said Ross. “Together, we can achieve so much more. 

“Every conversation, every partnership, and every small change helps create opportunities for people to be active, healthy and connected in their communities.”

Active Sussex remains committed to working alongside partners across the region and beyond to ensure movement is recognised not just as something we do, but as something that underpins our health, happiness and quality of life.