Health professionals deliver physical activity in-situ for patients!

Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership have been influencing and supporting local Primary Care Networks (PCN) to gain Active Practice status. This status allows PCNs to champion physical activity and embed movement into the practices for both staff and patients. Not all PCNs adopt the same approach, but several have taken significant steps towards upskilling their workforce to better support patients with long-term health conditions. Notably, Broxbourne Alliance PCN and Ware & Rurals PCN have led the way in this area. 

In a significant development, three staff members from the Ware & Rurals PCN have completed training to become qualified in chair-based exercise instructors. The personalised care staff will deliver tailored exercise sessions in patients' own homes and at practice clinics, making physical activity more accessible. Chair-based exercise plays a vital role in supporting frailer older adults, improving mobility and independence, and reducing the risk of falls, which is crucial for maintaining overall wellbeing. 

Meanwhile, at Broxbourne Alliance PCN, a dedicated Health & Wellbeing Coach has recently earned qualification in instructing Strength and Balance classes, with another soon to follow. These classes follow evidence-based exercises designed to reduce risk of falls through helping participants to improve their strength and balance, offering a mix of standing and seated exercises. The coaches will offer sessions in patients own homes and in the community, providing a tailored offer and supportive environment where individuals can work at their own pace while building independence and connecting with others in their community. As well as delivering bespoke sessions for patients, they will also support the delivery of community sessions, in partnership with Stevenage Football Club Foundation.  

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The initiative is set to expand further, with additional opportunities for PCN staff to gain qualifications in physical activity delivery. Two new courses have been announced by Hertfordshire Care Providers Association (HCPA): 

Courses Available: 

Chair-Based Exercise Instructor Accreditation 

• Find out more and sign up 

• This course covers a variety of seated exercises that can be tailored to suit different abilities and goals. Participants will gain insights into the effects of ageing and learn the importance of adopting a person-centred approach when designing exercise sessions. 

• This qualification is ideal for professionals who support frail older adults, equipping them to deliver both group and individual exercise sessions. 

• Course fee: HCPA Full Member: Fully funded* | Non-member: £275+VAT  

• Four-day course at HCPA Campus, Welwyn Garden City 
  Day 1: 14/04/2025 
  Day 2: 15/04/2025 
  Day 3: 22/04/2025 
  Day 4: 23/04/2025 

Strength and Balance in Care Course 

• Find out more and sign up 

• This course covers a range of standing and seated variations of evidence-based falls prevention exercises.  

• Falls related injuries are common in older adults and can have extremely negative effects on functional independence and quality of life, being associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and health related costs.  

• Course fee: HCPA Member: Fully funded* | Standard: £375+VAT 

• Four-day course at HCPA Campus, Welwyn Garden City 
  Day 1: 20/05/2025 
  Day 2: 03/06/2025 
  Day 3: 10/06/2025 
  Day 4: 17/06/2025 

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To find out how your PCN can achieve Active Practice status or to learn more about instructor training opportunities, contact hsphealth@herts.ac.uk. 

This initiative reflects Hertfordshire's commitment to improving the physical health and wellbeing of local residents, particularly older adults, by empowering healthcare professionals to deliver vital physical activity interventions directly to those who need them most.