Head of Active Communities, Edinburgh Leisure

What is the Active Communities programme?
Physical activity has sometimes been described as a magic pill. Not only does it help us feel better and function better, but it can also prevent and treat the leading health challenges of our time. However, even when they know that exercise will help, evidence suggests that people need expert guidance when faced with the idea of exercising after the diagnosis of a particular condition.

Our Active Communities team therefore uses the power of physical activity and sport to help those in need, or who are facing barriers to participation, to improve their health and wellbeing. We support people of all ages and backgrounds to be active, from newborns to older adults. Our projects include: supporting activity among children and young people in care, mental health, weight management, long-term conditions, walking, cycling and falls prevention, to mention just a few.

How are people referred to the programme?
It depends on the project. People can self-refer to some projects or be referred by a range of health professionals. We currently receive 400 referrals from health professionals each month to our Active Communities programme.

How do you help people change their habits and attitudes?
Active Communities empowers people to lead healthier lifestyles by removing the potential barriers that prevent them from being active. Many of our projects use one-to-one person-centred consultations and behaviour change approaches to help people change their habits and attitudes towards physical activity.

Fun is also at the heart of what we do, and we aim to create opportunities for people to connect socially and reduce feelings of isolation.

Where does funding come from?
Many of the programmes are funded by NHS Lothian, Edinburgh’s Health and Social Care partnership and the City of Edinburgh Council as well as Edinburgh Leisure.

What plans do you have for the future of the programme?
We’re currently trying to secure investment for a dementia-friendly project, aiming to support the independence and wellbeing of people living with dementia, as well as their carers and families, by getting them physically active.

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Helen Macfarlane, head of Active Communities at Edinburgh Leisure, tells how getting active can change people's lives

Helen Macfarlane, Head of Active Communities, Edinburgh Leisure,Helen Macfarlane, Active Communities, Edinburgh Leisure, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh Health and Social Care partnership, City of Edinburgh Council