Sussex Health instructors unite to boost active lifestyles

Health instructors, healthcare professionals, and local authority representatives from across Sussex gathered for a pivotal networking event hosted by Active Sussex. 

The Connect and Share Networking Event provided a vital opportunity for members of the Sussex Health Instructor Network to exchange expertise, discuss challenges, and shape the future of the network.

The event at the K2 Leisure Centre in Crawley on Tuesday, November 26, began with an introduction from Nick Chellel, Strategic Workforce Officer for Active Sussex, who highlighted the network’s achievements and set the agenda for the day. 

Attendees were then treated to an inspiring keynote speech by Professor Scarlett McNally, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Deputy Director at the Centre for Perioperative Care. 

Her presentation, titled Exercise – The Miracle Cure, underscored the profound health benefits of physical activity.

Professor McNally captivated the audience with compelling evidence, revealing that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of major health conditions, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes, by up to 80% and dementia by 30%. 

She emphasised the importance of exercise in managing long-term conditions, lowering healthcare costs, and enhancing quality of life. 

Her talk also touched on the benefits of electric bikes, sustainable travel solutions, and the necessity of strength and balance exercises for older adults to prevent falls.

Following the keynote, delegates engaged in dynamic group discussions, exploring challenges, sharing best practices, and brainstorming new opportunities for collaboration. 

Structured networking sessions and breakout discussions facilitated the exchange of innovative ideas and professional connections.

One highlight of the day was the screening of the Active Sussex Stroke Pilot Project video, which demonstrated the impact of local collaboration in improving health outcomes for individuals with long-term conditions. 

Discussions centred on increasing engagement, expanding partnerships, and enhancing professional development opportunities for network members.

Attendees were encouraged to share their perspectives via surveys to help shape the future direction of the Sussex Health Instructor Network. 

Reflecting on the event, Nick said: “The event demonstrates the demand and need for opportunities for the network to come together to build meaningful partnerships and improve collaboration with instructors, healthcare professionals, and local services.

“The Sussex Health Instructor Network has continually evolved to meet the needs of the audience, for example opening the network up to healthcare professionals based on instructor feedback, and we want to continue to ensure it meets the needs of the network.

“As well as an opportunity to connect and share, this was an opportunity for attendees to have their say on the future network.

“We will take some time to reflect on what we heard, before announcing next steps for the network.

“I’d like to thank all attendees for showing their commitment to improving the health outcomes of people with long-term health conditions, Professor Scarlett McNally for her inspiring keynote talk, and to Crawley Wellbeing for its support in delivering the event.”

The event marked a significant step forward in strengthening collaborations among health professionals in Sussex, reinforcing the importance of physical activity in preventative healthcare, and shaping the future of the Sussex Health Instructor Network.