Get active to boost wellbeing

17 May 2021

West Midlands Police officers are being invited to take part in the 1Team Active programme – a free family-based activity scheme which could improve the wellbeing of police forces across the UK.

The programme was created by TeamPolice in partnership with Sport England using £348,000 of National Lottery funding and has highlighted two groups to focus on: those who are not normally involved in sport and exercise and those who feel their mental health has suffered due to the demands of policing.

Anyone who does less than 150 minutes of moderate activity a week is encouraged to sign up to receive a physical and mental boost to their health and encourage them, and their family, to become more active in a fun, supportive and habit-forming way.

The officer and their family will initially be invited to an informal event day and given opportunities to try different activities. Then a 10 to 12-week programme will follow with two instructor-led classes a week, the aim being to achieve at least 150 minutes of activity each week. There will be an interactive platform to stay in touch with other participants and allow you and your family to share stories, track your activity, challenge yourself and support and motivate others.

The chair of West Midlands Police Federation, Jon Nott, said: “This is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to increase their physical movement which we know improves wellbeing in so many ways so I would encourage as many people as possible to take part.

“Because this is a pilot scheme it is initially aimed at supporting those who would benefit the most from it and, for that reason, there will be some questionnaires for participants to complete. But this is a free family-based activity programme which could make a huge difference to police forces across the country.”

Anyone wishing to apply or requiring more information should email 1teamactive@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk or contact Sophie Petrie, wellbeing manager.

Sport England hopes to be able to roll out the 1Team Active programme nationally after the West Midlands pilot scheme.