Embedding the Importance of Movement into Healthcare Training Time

GP Protected Learning Time: Movement into Action 

Through the Active Connections programme, the Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) is helping local health professionals champion physical activity as a form of preventative care. One way they’re achieving this is by harnessing the power of GP Protected Learning Time (PLT) — dedicated sessions where practices close to patients to allow all staff, from GPs to administrators, to engage in professional development. 

HSP has developed a cohesive approach to these PLTs, delivering Active Medicine training, Active Practice workshops, and introducing GP staff to local activity providers. This supports the wider goal of using movement as a form of medicine, and encouraging sustainable behaviour change across primary care. 

In September 2025, HSP partnered with Central Watford PCN and Alpha PCN (Rothschild House Group) to deliver a full afternoon of training and inspiration, with the Active Practice Charter as the guiding framework. 

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Central Watford PCN

Central Watford PCN hosted several partners who showcased how staff can both support and take part in physical activity: 

• Hertfordshire Health Walks (HHW) – Megan Youell, HHW Project Officer, spotlighted local walk offers that GPs can signpost patients to. She also encouraged staff to get involved as volunteers or walk leaders themselves. 

• Watford Borough Council – Caroline Roche, Sports & Physical Activity Manager, shared insight into Watford's local opportunities, 2025–2029 sport & activity strategy, and key physical activity statistics for the area. 

• Watford FC Community Sport & Education Trust – Delivered a taster session on strength and balance to demonstrate the importance of these skills for ageing well, maintaining independence, and preventing falls. 

• HSP – Facilitated Active Medicine training to boost confidence in starting physical activity conversations with patients. An Active Practice Charter workshop followed, where staff pledged new ideas to promote the message of “movement as medicine” within their practices. 

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Alpha PCN (Rothschild House Group)

Alpha PCN staff actively engaged in the following sessions: 

• HSP – Delivered Active Medicine training and an Active Practice Charter workshop. A key focus was the Active Connections Hub — an online platform where PCN staff across Hertfordshire can participate in challenges and friendly movement-based competitions with other surgeries. 

• Everyone Active – Adriana Wyzykowska, Activity & Wellbeing Manager, highlighted initiatives including the GP Exercise Referral Scheme, the Dacorum Community Outreach programme, and free gym memberships for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s. 

• Tai Chi in the Chilterns – Catherine Birkinhead, British and European Champion and advanced instructor, delivered a tai chi taster session and explained the holistic health benefits of this mindful movement practice. 

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What’s Next? 

Both Central Watford and Alpha PCNs are now working closely with HSP to achieve Active Practice accreditation, committing to embed physical activity into the daily culture of their teams and patient interactions. 

If your GP surgery is ready to become an accredited Active Practice or would like to host HSP at an upcoming PLT session, get in touch at z.mckeating@herts.ac.uk.