Signposting tools

Signposting patients to physical activity can fast-track healthy new habits.

People are more likely to stick to lifestyle changes if they feel in control. Signposting your patients to physical activity finders will enable them to choose activities they’ll enjoy.  

Some people will need more support than others. There are a range of different opportunities available. From self-serve options to referral schemes we’ve collated the best of opportunities available across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, as well as national programmes that will help support people to be more active.

Most people with a health condition will be able to take part in mainstream activities. But for those that require closer monitoring or guidance, these services provide more tailored support.

Walking for Health is a great initiative for those who want to enjoy the social side of being active. We are lucky to have many FREE schemes operating in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. They’re a great introduction for people that are currently inactive, the walks are short and over easy terrain.

Patients can find their nearest walks through the following links:

• Ramblers Wellbeing Walks (county-wide)_
• East Hampshire Wellbeing Walks
• Community First Health Walks (Fareham, Winchester and New Forest)
• Test Valley Health Walks
• Gosport Voluntary Action Walking for Health
• Havant Wellbeing Walk
• Basingstoke Wellbeing Walks
• Southampton Common Health Walks
• Rushmoor Health Walks
• Ready Steady Walk (for new parents)

We’re encouraging local activity providers who deliver inclusive sessions to list their activities on Activity Finders. This means people can search for activity opportunities in their local area in one place. From adapted swimming to wellbeing walks there’s a range of opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

Swimming and aquatic activity has so many benefits. It is a low-impact activity that helps improve cardio vascular health, strengthens muscles and can increase mobility.

The Swimming as Medicine series has been created to encourage healthcare professionals to consider recommending swimming and aquatic activity to their patients as an effective way of improving health and wellbeing. View the videos here and learn more about swimming for health.

For those that need extra support, there are adapted sessions and facilities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.  Ready to speak to your patients, here’s some handy links to refer to:

• Poolfinder | Go Swimming
• Mental Health Swims | Dips Not Distance
• GoodBoost | Therapeutic pools
• Mental health and swimming.pdf
• Health and Wellbeing Hub | Swim England – condition specific factsheets

There’s strong evidence that taking part in physical activity in nature can help improve mental and physical health outcomes and reduce loneliness.

In many parts of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight there is good access to green and blue spaces that can help to reduce health inequalities in our communities.  These are often a good options for patients looking for a place to get started

For some people, something they can achieve in their own home will be better suited. There are lots of online options, with videos for people to follow along at a time and place that suits them best.