System Leadership: Health
The global pandemic has highlighted the importance of a preventative approach to healthcare that creates resilience in communities. Physical activity should be a key part of efforts to shift our focus away from the treatment of ill health to the creation of good health.
Creating the conditions within the system to embed physical activity as a credible option for supporting people with their health creates a significant opportunity to effect population-level change. This means changing the culture around physical activity and the role it plays in the prevention, management and treatment of conditions.
“The Integrated Care Board (ICB) value our relationship with Active Norfolk, and are proud of the achievements made within the Active NoW programme within the last 12 months. Active Norfolk are an important strategic partner that provides valuable insights, expertise and strategic direction which is helping us to embed the prevention agenda into the health and care system. We are pleased to together take action around reducing inequalities and supporting our residents to live healthier lives.”
Karin Bryant, NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board
Impact Summary
Over the past year, the organisation has forged robust partnerships, resulting in notable achievements like Active NoW. Additionally, we have secured successful funding bids, enabling enhanced support for individuals with disabilities and addressing health inequalities.
We have also been able to support with building physical activity into policy and strategy across the Norfolk & Waveney Integrated Care System, as well as establish a robust governance structure for physical activity and health improvement as part of Active NoW.
There is a significant evidence base for the positive impact of physical activity upon physical health, as well as mental health and wellbeing. As the strategic lead for physical activity in Norfolk, we advocate for its inclusion in local strategies, policies and services.
We are encouraged and proud of our growing partnerships. The work over the last 12 months have seen significant developments across the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System, in particular with the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board and progression with Norfolk County Council Adult Social Care. We also continue to work collaboratively with the VCSE and physical activity provider sectors to support with the development of physical activity based infrastructure. This has led to increased investment and strategic collaboration on programmes of work.
There is a significant evidence base for the positive impact of physical activity upon physical health, as well as mental health and wellbeing. As the strategic lead for physical activity in Norfolk, we advocate for it’s inclusion in local strategies, policies and services.
The Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System (ICS) Health improvement Transformation Group has made physical activity a priority alongside smoking. The ICS has also published its forward plan, a significant milestone for healthcare in the region. The 5-year plan outlines key priorities, including how physical activity can improve population health, mental health, and enhance care for older adults. To read more on The Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System (ICS)’S forward plan, click here.
We continue to collaborate with several national initiatives such as Live Longer Better Programme, Active Partnership Network, and Aging Well.
By leveraging national insights and evaluations, we incorporate this knowledge at the local level, ensuring well-informed decision-making. This approach enables us to effectively position ourselves to make impactful contributions to Norfolk.
In the last 12 months we have been successful with our partners in generating additional investment into physical activity and health improvement. This has included funding from:
- Norfolk and Waveney ICB investment into Active NoW
- West Norfolk Place Board
- National Lottery
- Better Care Fund
- Mental Health Transformation
- Health and Wellbeing Partnerships
- Norfolk County Council Adult Social Care
- Norfolk County Council Public Health
