Abstract

Scope of the Research
The evaluation has reviewed 6 diverse Choosing Health physical activity projects including Exercise Referral, Health Walks, Fit Kids, Vitality, Disability (Inclusion) and over 45’s Activators projects. The research remit has been extremely broad in evaluating the range and quality of the interventions, their management and implementation and impact in terms of participation, process and outcomes.
To determine the wide impact of the projects the research methodology has used a variety of research methods to analyse and validate the quantitative and qualitative effects of the interventions. The data from the evaluation demonstrates the value and output of the projects and adds to the local and national evidence base.
Recommendations include:
Maintaining the co-ordination of a county-wide framework for physical activity with local delivery routes – with more co-ordination of branding and stronger identity for schemes overall.
Rolling out the models of physical activity interventions to a wider population, where under-capacity and gaps still exists and engaging wider target groups such as men and younger participants.
Creating stronger partnerships with health and other professionals to increase engagement and integration at a local level. (The health screening route is presently under-utilised and more links with schools could be built). It is also important to build networks with business and the third sector to widen funding and participation levels.
19. Continuing support for the range of projects - given that diversity and choice is central to increasing physical activity and short and long term outcomes in morbidity and mortality rates