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Activity Alliance attends Community is the best medicine conference

On Tuesday 8 October, Activity Alliance attended The King's Fund Community is the best medicine conference to raise awareness of the important role that communities play in supporting disabled people to be active. Inclusive Activity Programmes Officer, Adam Lever and Helen Newberry, Engagement Advisor, talked to healthcare professionals about how Activity Alliance can support their work in the community.  

Programmes Officer, Adam Lever at Kings Fund conference

The event brought together health and care professionals, community organisations, innovators, commissioners, researchers and policy-makers interested in how to create sustainable, community-based health and care. With organisations such as NHS Trusts, Public Health England and national health charities in attendance, the conference provided an excellent opportunity for Activity Alliance to showcase its work with the health sector.

The King's Fund is an independent charity which aims to improve health and care in England. The charity help to shape policy and practice through research and analysis; develop individuals, teams and organisations; promote understanding of the health and social care system; and bring people together to learn, share knowledge and debate.

Activity Alliance Board Member and former health services commissioner, Maria Palmer, explains the importance of engaging with influencial stakeholders at the event. 

Maria said:  

"Activity Alliance has 20 years experience of enhancing the lives of disabled people through sport and physical activity. Our expertise in research, communications, engagement and programme and event delivery, enables organisations to support individual disabled people to be active and stay active for life.

"It is fantastic that Activity Alliance can share their unique knowledge and experiences with King's Fund conference attendees, who represent many facets of the health industry and economy."

The Activity Alliance exhibition stand was busy throughout the day. Adam and Helen spoke to delegates interested in finding out about our work to make active lives possible for disabled people. Top topics on the day included: 

  • Signposting disabled people to local activities 
  • Workforce development opportunities 
  • Raising awareness of delivering inclusive activities
  • Upskilling community volunteers

Many attendees were interested in finding out more about our Inclusive Activity Programme. The programme, delivered in partnership with UK Coaching, is a unique, low-cost workforce development opportunity. It equips participants with the confidence and skills to engage disabled people and people with long-term health conditions in physical activity. The three-hour workshop is ideal for healthcare professionals who deliver either structured or informal physical activity sessions.

Earlier this year, we delivered a series of workshops for Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to upskill their workforce to deliver inclusive activities. Student occupational therapist, Broadie, shared how the workshop developed her skills and knowledge:

"The Inclusive Activity Programme has taught me how to adapt physical activity for people with a physical or mental impairment. I know how important activity is for a person’s wellbeing and I intend to use this learning throughout my studies and upon qualifying to support individuals to be more active."

To encourage more healthcare professionals to take up our inclusive activity programme, Activity Alliance is running a series of open workshops across the country. Delegates were encouraged to book their place at the King's Fund conference.

Places are still available at the following Inclusive Activity Programme workshops:

Click on the relevant workshop link above to book online via eventbrite. Please note some workshops are hosted by our local partners and therefore online booking is via their website.

Find out more about Inclusive Activity Programme

We're keen to hear from healthcare professionals and community organisations interested in attending an Inclusive Activity Programme workshop. Get in touch with our team today. Email programmes@activityalliance.org.uk or call 01509 227750.