Bridging the gap: understanding how to support people with long term health conditions become more physically active

‘We Are Undefeatable ‘Big Talk’ Consultation

We Are Undefeatable is a national campaign supporting people with a range of long-term health conditions to be active.

It's been developed by 15 leading health and social care charities, including Versus Arthritis. Plus, it's backed by expertise, insight and significant National Lottery funding from Sport England.

Recently, We Are Undefeatable launched the ‘Big Talk’, a public consultation that aims to inform the resources the campaign should develop.

But the insights it discovered are helpful for anyone who supports people with long term health conditions to be more physically active. 

It draws together insights from those with lived experience and from the networks that support them.

What were the findings from the report? 

• People naturally turn to the healthcare system for guidance on how to get active with a long-term health condition. But the NHS, challenged and under pressure, cannot adequately address their needs by itself. Health charities are in a strong position help people stay active agenda due to their expertise in the management of long-term health conditions. 
• Family members and friends can be a key source of support for people with long-term health conditions to become active. Yet many feel ill-equipped and fear ‘making things worse’.
• People with long-term health conditions responded positively to the idea of having workouts that are easy to find, tailored to their capabilities, and has a motivation that resonates with them.

What are the next steps for We Are Undefeatable?

• Increase the prominence and content contributions of charity partners throughout resources and across the website.
• Provide new guidance, hints and tips dedicated to family members and friends supporting others to be active.  
• Redevelop the We Are Undefeatable Supporters Hub to improve the experience and provide more tailored content.