A new report shows that the Passport to Health service run by Bath & North East Somerset Council is making a very positive impact on people’s lives.
One year after referral participants were shown to be significantly more active and doing more exercise than when they were referred, and, importantly, the number of visits they reported making to GPs had also decreased.
Most also report improved self-esteem and better all-round quality of life.
The service, which has been running for nine years, offers people with health risk factors the opportunity to take part in a range of physical activities.
They are generally referred into the service by their GPs, if they think exercise will make a big impact on their overall health.
Three types of help are available through Passport to Health: one-to-one support; supported access to a leisure centre programme or community exercise groups.
The research evaluation, carried out by the University of Bath’s Department for Health, clearly shows that giving people the confidence to try new activities and find an exercise they enjoy really works.
The research revealed:
- Trying new activities, exercising with friends, support to set goals and using a diary are important techniques when taking part in exercise programmes;
- Participants showed significant improvements of moderate to vigorous physical activity of 25 minutes/week, or 1292 steps/day after the 12-week programme.
- They also showed an improvement in health- related quality of life, as well as motivation to exercise and weight loss.
Cllr David Dixon (Lib Dem, Oldfield), Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “This research clearly demonstrates the benefits in supporting people to become physically active.
“It has helped us understand the needs of our clients, how best to support them to find an activity that they like and work with them to help them understand the long-term benefits of being physically active for their health and wellbeing.
Cllr Simon Allen (Lib Dem, Radstock), Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, said: “In response to the feedback we have received through this evaluation, we’re now producing a new information booklet for GPs, health care professionals and clients, so they can better understand the exercise programmes that are available.”
Fiona Gillison, Senior Lecturer at the University of Bath, added: “This project was a great chance to carry out some ‘real-world’ research.
“By working in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Council, we not only had the opportunity to apply research evidence into practice, but could also make sure that the perspectives of the patients and professionals who use and run the Passport to Health programme were fully taken into account.
“Our project generated some really novel findings that we are confident will not only have an impact locally, but could help to improve similar lifestyle services nationwide.”
One Passport to Health participant from Keynsham said: “My mental health has improved massively; I’ve learnt to enjoy exercise; I’ve become fitter and I’m losing and toning my baby weight.
“The class leader Anne has been great, always lets us work individual levels but still pushes us enough for a great workout. I would definitely recommend Passport to Health to anybody.”
This was a two-year evaluation carried out by the Council’s Active Lifestyles & Health Improvement and Public Health in partnership with The University of Bath’s Department for Health.
