Two wheelchair uses playing basketball in a gym

Physical Activity Social Prescribing

Helping People Take Steps for Better Health

In this section

Physical activity has huge benefits for wellbeing. Benefits that go a lot deeper than physical and mental health.  

When we take part in physical activity, we develop skills that help in every aspect of life. We find new friends, and we grow in confidence. We reconnect with ourselves. And we get our lives back on track. 

From a health perspective, the case for physical activity is clear: 

  • It lowers the risk of conditions including cancer, dementia, heart disease and stroke 
  • It can lessen the risk of type 2 diabetes by 30-40%  
  • It boosts mental wellbeing, reduces anxiety and depression, connects people, and enhances happiness and self-esteem  
  • It helps people living with chronic illness to manage their condition 
  • It plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy body weight, getting a good night’s sleep, and feeling more energised 
  • And it can help you cut back on unhealthy habits like smoking, so that you live better, for longer 

But many barriers prevent people from taking their first step. Lack of time or motivation can discourage us. Or we may feel too self-conscious to try something new. Perhaps health issues, disabilities or cultural reasons stop us from engaging. Or we can’t stretch to the cost of training shoes. 

NASP has partnered with Sport England to embed physical activity in social prescribing. So that more people can live healthier, happier lives, one step at a time.  

If physical activity were a drug, we would refer to it as a miracle cure, due to the great many illnesses it can prevent and help treat.
The 2019 UK Chief Medical Officers’ (CMOs) Physical Activity Guidelines

What Does Physical Activity Social Prescribing Involve? 

Physical movement doesn’t have to mean going to the gym, the swimming pool, or anywhere else you may feel out of place.  

Yes, some socially prescribed activities involve exercise. Things like Pilates classes, walking, football, cold-water swimming or cycling... But many integrate movement and exercise with other activities too. And they connect you with other people, with nature, or with creativity and culture at the same time. 

This includes activities that may not look like “sports” on the outside…  But will help on the road to becoming more physically active.  

Activities might involve:  

  • Walking in nature 
  • Learning to dance 
  • Doing a spot of gardening 
  • Exploring local museums or historic places 

Either way, you’re out and about, you’re breathing fresh air, and you’re moving. You’re taking steps to improve your wellbeing. Steps that will have a positive impact on every part of your life. What’s more, you’re having fun, and meeting new people while you do it.  

Play Video: Prescribing physical activity
That physical movement just taps into different parts of you that you’ve forgotten about.
Ruth Nutter, project co-ordinator for Heeley Trust’s Thriving Communities project

What’s the Evidence for Physical Activity Social Prescribing? 

There is a wealth of evidence to show the benefits of physical activity for health and wellbeing. And when people take an active role in shaping their care and support, their health outcomes are even better. Social prescribing enables people to take an active part in their own journey. Ensuring the help they receive is as unique as their individual challenges and needs. 

Visit our evidence page to find out more
A group of adults stand in a yoga pose during a class at the park

RED January 2024

This year we are teaming up with RED January to encourage health workers – who work tirelessly throughout winter to keep us all healthy – to sign up to RED January and do something active every day and raise money for social prescribing projects.

With activities like desk Pilates and ad break dance routines, there are ways for even the busiest amongst us to take part. For interested doctors, link workers, nurses and other healthcare professionals. 

Find out more

How Can I Find Out More, Get Involved, or Get Help?

If you’re a local voluntary, community, faith, or social enterprise organisation… 

Find out more about how we support local communities. 

If you’re a community football trust, NASP will be launching a programme called More than a Game, to help to connect you to the health system. 

If you need support for yourself or a loved one… 

Speak to your GP and ask to see a link worker. Remember, physical activity doesn’t have to feel like exercise. A link worker will help you start where you are today and find a way that suits you to be active.  

You can also find lots of advice, information, and support at We Are Undefeatable. This is a movement supporting people with long-term health conditions to get active.  

If you’re looking for more online information, resources, and evidence… 

Visit our evidence page where you will find our new evidence briefing on physical activity.  

NASP works with national organisations including Sport England and UK Active. We do this to help connect sport and physical activity providers to the health system. And to support the Government with schemes like Active Travel Social Prescribing Pilots. You can find more guidance, support and research on the  Sport England website.  

Two woman sit and chat at a gym studio during a class

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