A new campaign inspiring people with health conditions to get more active is being supported by NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), NHS Southport and Formby CCG and Sefton Council.

The campaign is called We Are Undefeatable and is being led by Sport England, a public body which promotes sport.

One in four people live with a long term health condition such as diabetes, cancer, arthritis and Parkinson’s. Evidence shows that being active can help manage many conditions and help reduce the impact and severity of some symptoms, but people with long term conditions are actually twice as likely to be inactive. 

Dr Rob Caudwell, a GP in Southport and chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “Getting active doesn’t need to be about joining a local sports club or even running a 10k. It can just be about doing things that fit into your existing routine, as and when you can. Aim to do 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity such as cycling or brisk walking 5 times a week.”

Dr Craig Gillespie, a GP in Crosby and chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, said “It’s important to find an activity or sport you enjoy, so that you’re more likely to keep it up. Moving more with friends, family members, and others can also help make things more fun. The campaign website weareundefeatable.co.uk/ways-to-move features lots of ideas for activities to try.

“Start slowly and build up with exercise and always make sure you warm up and cool down before and after.”

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “It’s important to listen to your body and do what feels comfortable to you. Make the most of your good days and on your not so good days, you may need to do less. Small amounts of activity all add up so even little changes can make a big difference to your health.”

Anyone who is looking to make their first steps back into fitness may be interested in joining Active Sefton’s Couch to 5K programme. Taking place every Monday and Wednesday at Litherland Sports Park and Tuesday & Thursday at Hesketh Park, Southport, the coach-led crash courses aim to help you get back into shape or rediscover your love of running over a number of weeks.

The Southport course lasts six weeks, starting September 10, and cost just £6 per person to enter, while the 10 week Litherland course, starting September 9, is priced at £10. For more information contact Active Sefton on 0151 934 2340 or email active.sports@sefton.gov.uk

For more information and support, visit https://weareundefeatable.co.uk. To understand the NHS’ recommended levels of physical activity, visit https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/