Move More Western Isles – encouraging inactive adults and those with long term conditions to get more active

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The recently launched Move More Western Isles project, aimed at inactive adults and those with long-term conditions (including cancer), offers support to help local individuals become more active and improve their health and wellbeing though a range of free physical activity opportunities.

Aimed at those aged over 16 years, a variety of one-to-one and group exercise programmes are uniquely tailored to each individual by a Move More Activity Officer. The personalised programme is developed to improve strength, balance and cardiovascular health, suited to individual needs and ability.

Activities on offer may include: easy aqua aerobics, gentle movement, group ‘Move More’ circuits, gardening, an introduction to fitness equipment and group walking. There are also a range of new Move More activities currently provided throughout the Outer Hebrides such as Easy Aqua Classes, Gentle Movement Classes, MacMillan Friendly Walks, 1-to-1 gym programmes, MacMillan Friendly garden projects and Move More Circuit Classes.

Colin Gilmour, Health Improvement Manager, said “Move More Western Isles addresses the unique challenges that the rurality and geography of the Outer Hebrides present by delivering a range of traditional and innovative uses of new technology. We are improving physical activity provision for people affected by long term conditions (including cancer) in more rural areas where exercise referral has not previously been possible and social isolation may be an additional issue.

Each programme can last 12 weeks with ongoing support offered after the programme has ended. Classes are free during the programme and are available in a variety of locations across the Outer Hebrides, including local authority sports centres.

Colin added, “Research shows that people affected by cancer can benefit from maintaining or developing an active lifestyle. That activity can take many forms, from formal organised exercise to gardening to walking. Move More Western Isles is increasing the number of group and 1-to-1 sessions available, enabling more people to access appropriate physical opportunities that will benefit their health and well being.”

To promote the project and encourage interested individuals to find out more, promotional literature has been produced and is now available in a variety of locations, including GP surgeries, hospitals and clinics, public libraries and sports centrs.

The project now offers activity officers throughout the Outer Hebrides and is gradually developing a range of classes and options for local people. In addition, additional training and recruitment of volunteers to provide a network of physical activity projects to aid sustainability and improve provision is also planned.

For further information please contact your healthcare professional (e.g. GP, nurse, physiotherapist or occupational therapist) or your local Move More Activity Officer at the following details:

  • Lewis & Harris – Kirsty Wade, tel: (01851) 822 761 / 822 800 or email: kirsty.wade@cne-siar.gov.uk
  • Uists – Kevin Morrison, tel: (01870) 603599 or email: kevin.morrison@cne-siar.gov.uk  
  • Barra – Lisanne Macinnes, tel: (01871) 810 129 or email: lisanne.macinnes@cne-siar.gov.uk  

Clinical staff are asked to note that referrals are welcomed from all suitably qualified healthcare professionals with knowledge of the patient’s medical history including doctors, nursing staff and Allied Health Professionals. SCI Gateway is the preferred referral method.

The project has been developed by NHS Western Isles in partnership with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES) Sport and Health section and MacMillan.