Active Connections Conference 2024: Embedding Physical Activity into Health

Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) and Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) Public Health team proudly hosted the ‘Active Connections: Embedding Physical Activity into Health’ Conference on Wednesday 4th December 2024. Bringing together over 120 professionals from across Hertfordshire’s health sector, the event showcased innovative strategies to integrate physical activity into healthcare settings for both patients and staff.

The conference highlighted the impactful Active Connections programme, funded by HCC Public Health and led by HSP. This initiative seeks to enhance understanding and integration of physical activity into healthcare across the county.

The Role of Physical Activity in Health

Physical activity is well-documented as a powerful tool in preventing and managing ill health. A recent study from Sport England (October 2024) revealed that sport and physical activity contribute an estimated £10.5 billion annually in health and social care savings by preventing illnesses, reducing mental health service demands, decreasing GP visits, and lowering the need for unpaid care.

Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, emphasized:

“Being physically active is one of the best things we can do to stay healthy and independent throughout our lives. The greatest health gains are from helping people who do little activity to do a bit more. This report shows that we need make it easier for particular groups to engage in physical activity including sport.”

The conference underscored the importance of embedding physical activity into healthcare and explored practical ways for Hertfordshire’s health professionals to take action.

Inspiring Talks and Workshops

The event featured keynote addresses from:

· Sarah Perman, Director of Public Health Hertfordshire

· Tom Burton, Strategic Lead for Health at Sport England

· Dr. Hussain Al-Zubaidi, GP & Physical Activity Champion, Royal College of General Practitioners

· Annie Brewster, High Sheriff of Hertfordshire

These speakers shared insights on national and local approaches to integrating physical activity into health, inspiring attendees to drive meaningful change.

Interactive workshops offered attendees the chance to delve deeper into practical topics, such as:

· Resources to promote active lifestyles in Hertfordshire

· Active Medicine training

· Case studies showcasing best practices

· Supporting activity for those with long-term health conditions (in partnership with We Are Undefeatable)

· Becoming an Active Practice

The slides from the opening address and most of the workshops can be seen here.

Positive Impact and Immediate Outcomes

Attendees praised the conference for its dynamic atmosphere and actionable outcomes:

“The best in-person conference I have ever been to, which has sprouted many worthwhile connections and burgeoning projects! Amazing work!” – Health & Wellbeing Coach.

“The whole event had a real buzz and positive vibe to it – together we can make a difference.” – PCN Manager

Participants left with plans to integrate physical activity into their settings:

“We’re considering launching chair-based exercise sessions at the hospital to prevent deconditioning and help patients regain activity after their stay.” – NHS Colleague

“I’ll discuss physical activity more with patients and use the resources I learned about today.” – NHS Colleague

Launch of the Active Connections Hub

The conference also saw the launch of the Active Connections Hub, a funded online platform designed to support Primary Care Networks across Hertfordshire to keep their own staff physically active. In partnership with Total Active Hub, this initiative aims to engage healthcare practices and encourage more active lifestyles for their staff.

Get Involved

HSP and HCC Public Health are committed to empowering health professionals and communities to make physical activity a core component of health care in Hertfordshire. For more information about the Active Connections programme and how to get involved, contact hsphealth@herts.ac.uk.

Together, we can help Hertfordshire to be a healthier, more active county!