Aim to show that We Are Undefeatable

England Boxing is pleased to be backing a major new campaign called We Are Undefeatable, which aims to support people with long-term health conditions to be active.

More than one in four people in England – 15 million – live with a long-term health condition, such as diabetes, cancer, arthritis and Parkinson’s, with this figure set to rise to 18 million by 2025.

New research shows that over two thirds (69%) of people with long-term health conditions say they would like to be more active yet, despite this, they are twice as likely to be inactive.

In response, 15 leading charities have come together for the first time, with support from Sport England and the National Lottery, in a bid to inspire people living with health conditions to get active in a way that’s right for them.

By recognising the unique barriers people with health conditions face, We Are Undefeatable hopes to help people build physical activity into their lives, by hearing from others who have become more active through the ups and downs of living with their condition.

Even small amounts of activity can make a significant difference to overall health and wellbeing. One day, a short walk might be all that’s manageable, while for others it might be swimming or getting active at home.

New research released today from a survey of over 1,000 adults revealed that people with long standing health concerns feel they face some unique barriers.

More than a third of people (36%) cited lack of energy as the main barrier to increasing physical activity, while two in five (40%) reported that pain caused by their health condition prevented them from increasing the amount of physical activity they do.

Over a quarter (28%) with a long-term health condition reported that the unpredictable nature of their condition made it hard to commit to a routine.

The campaign will run across TV, radio and social media, encouraging people to visit www.weareundefeatable.co.uk and use #WeAreUndefeatable for inspiration and tips on how to get active in ways that suit them.

 “I’m hugely excited about helping more people living with a health condition feel that physical activity is possible.” Juliet Bouverie, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association

 

Campaign support packs are also being distributed to every GP surgery and community pharmacy in England as part of a wider programme to support healthcare professionals to promote physical activity to their patients.

England Boxing has already been working to get more people active who have long-term health conditions, with a number of clubs running non-contact sessions for those who have Parkinson’s.

“Whether you lose your breath from playing with the grandchildren or going for a brisk walk, this campaign is about enjoying being active on the good days and getting through the bad,” said Juliet Bouverie, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association and lead campaign spokesperson.

“As this survey shows, people want to be more active because it improves their mood and wellbeing. I’m hugely excited about helping more people living with a health condition feel that physical activity is possible, with lots of ideas about the ways that you can keep moving.”

Brian Dow, Deputy Chief Executive of Rethink Mental Illness, added:  “We’re proud to support such an inclusive campaign that recognises the benefits of physical activity for people living with long-term health conditions.

“We know that physical activity can have a significant impact on our mental health, but it’s important to recognise the effect of different conditions means that we will all have different goals. This campaign shows that it’s time to enjoy the little wins that we can all achieve in our everyday lives.”

Tim Hollingsworth, Chief Executive of Sport England said: “You’re twice as likely to be inactive if you have a long-term health condition, but we believe we can change that, because our research shows the majority of people with a condition would like to be more active.

“It might be strengthening activities, walking, going to the gym or playing a sport. We are very proud to support our charity partners in delivering this new campaign because we know with the right support, sport and physical activity has the ability to change the lives of people living with long-term health conditions for the better.”

The charities behind the campaign include: Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Asthma UK, Breast Cancer Care and Breast Cancer Now, British Lung Foundation, British Red Cross, Diabetes UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Mind, MS Society, Parkinson’s UK, Rethink Mental Illness, Royal Voluntary Service, Stroke Association and Versus Arthritis.