Time To Heal first connected with the We Are Undefeatables Campaign back in 2020. However, we now have another relaunch following yet more extensive research, with updated activities, links with Charitable Organisations, resources and case studies all based on firm evidence and all created based on the needs of the population at such a difficult and challenging time.
Not only that, when it comes to people with LTHC’s they often have one signifiant illness/disability which is of their primary concern, but also have other conditions that they are affected by and so management of these other conditions becomes a juggling act that is extremely testing and tiring in itself.Therefore, the work done by each of these charities in connection with We Are Undefeatables and Sport Englands Join The Movement Programmes is crucial.All will provide us with some excellent guidance and support.
So What does this programme look like?
The We Are Undefeatables Campaign is a collaboration of 15 Charitable Organisations and delivered through a Sport England project Join The Movement. They actively promote the great resources that are available from The We Are Undefeatables Campaign. Their collective goal being to increase the amount of exercise and activity that those with LTHC’s can participate in. Giving people the specific information required for their conditions through trusted groups who guide you through the basics and into more structured activities.
It’s a fantastic project that is well worth a re-visit, especially as we come out of lockdown and for many their usual activities may not be in place yet. What makes it unique is how all organisations involved manage to take on the key features of the programme but then customise it to the needs of specific groups of people. This is highlighted by research conducted and released on the Webinar;
‘The start of this year has been difficult for everyone but we know that people living with health conditions are faced with additional challenges, resulting in inactivity amongst our audience rising 11% since the COVID-19 outbreak*. With our new social media campaign, We Are Undefeatable wants to spread the message that there are still ways to get moving that could work for people with health conditions and that this can help improve mental and physical wellbeing’.(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Kduo2p0IIE)
You can access and watch in your own time the We Are Undefeatables latest Webinar on their YouTube channel.
One of the really successful initiatives launched last time around were the development of Dance and Walking Football Zoom Teams. With selected participants joining in these were highly successful in bring vulnerable people together by practicing and sharing skills through Zoom meetings. An inspiring project them could easily be picked up by coaches and instructors across the country.
The COVID Page is still live and will give you some great updates. There are some familiar faces and some new faces. Some familiar resources and some different ones. Over the next month we will explore the background research, helpful insights, browse through resources created with and adapted for many different Long Term Health Conditions (LTHC’s). Show how this National Campaign is being disseminated to local authorities taking into consideration the needs of the local populations. Then finishing with a look at how Mental Health is supported both as an individual strain of the programme but also as a link connecting the whole Campaign together in its entirety.
What Resources Are Available?
As a direct result of this element of research;
'Times have been difficult during lockdown, affecting how we feel. But even if we’re spending more time indoors, there’s still ways to get moving at home which can help to clear our minds and lift our spirits’. (https://weareundefeatable.co.uk) you’ll find great advice in the section called Get Moving Around The Home.
There are a vast array of resources which have been developed and updated. The range of options is large scale!It starts at very baseline activities which include the popular Five In Five Cards along with the 15 Ways To Move Poster which are a great resources for beginners and those with little mobility/mental health conditions. These colourful and downloadable resources are simple to implement. The cards can be used to create a sequence, a small circuit session or simply picked up through the day like cue cards. Aim to spend 1minute at a time on five cards each day. All at once or spread out. You can even create your own. Stepping up a level are the 15minute exercise posters which again can be adapted, used in one go or spread out through the day when you need a break or have the time/energy.
Hot off the press is a new initiative ;
‘So today we’re announcing our first ever Home Games, a fun and active event for people with a range of physical and mental health conditions, whatever their ability or home set up. Two teams will be headed up by decorated Paralympians Dame Sarah Storey and Lauren Rowles MBE who will take their team members through various games that can be done from the comfort of their own homes during this 10-week virtual programme. If you’re interested in applying to take part in the Home Games, please send us a private message with more information’.
(https://www.facebook.com/weareundefeatable 24/03/21)
Another great addition to this re-launch of Undefeatables materials and stories are links to other exercise programmes that supplement the Campaign. There are two branches we can take here. There are case studies and plenty of ideas to help you make the right choice for you. One will be to stay at home and exercise and the other to venture outdoors.
One such programme is this link to Hoola Hooping which is through The This Girl Can movement which we visited in detail through March. If you want a bit more structure then the We Are Undefeatables YouTube Channel is a great starting point. Here you can enjoy playlists ranging from aerobics to strengthening to yoga and chair based activities.
If you are wanting to get yourself outside then the first step could be through Finding Ways To Move For Free. This includes links to The Canal & Rivers Trust. They have a fantastic Accessibility Map so that you can find walks, cycle routes etc but you get all the information you need to assess the pathways, gradients of walkways, the type of surface etc which allows you create your own route and allow you to connect with nature at your own level.
Progression
These advances in links to additional sites and programmes allow further progression into more formalised exercise and sports once exercise adherence, confidence and basics are practiced and reinforced.
An example is Move it or Loose It! This aims to get people exercising together and is aimed at the older generation. There is a cost involved with this to enable you to access all areas but essentially they are trying to improve flexibility, aerobic health, balance and strength for greater independence. There’s a shop so you can really feel part of a team by wearing your t-shirt with pride and you can even gift a subscription to someone in your family for £4.99 a month. They also run training courses so you could become an instructor.
Parasport offers the opportunity to find activities that you can enjoy and are especially helpful for those in wheelchairs. Even a HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) session based in a wheelchair or box fit if you really want to increase fitness. But also the slower paced and more tranquil activities such as yoga and walking. There’s a great filter on the homepage so you can select your level. If you are wanting ideas for delivery then theres plenty to get you started with many case studies.
Something For Organisations
If you are after something that is about sustainable change and individuals within the context of your organisation or healthcare setting then EXi Life is a personalised exercise programme which could be your answer. Aimed specifically at those with LTHC’s or those who may be susceptible to them could really support your goals and those of your employees/patients. Endorsed by the NHS and with detailed clinical trials behind its creation this app can help to personalise exercise programmes and ensure that health is well protected. It aims to increase your activity slowly. Everyone taking part will need to complete the pre-exercise screening so their plan can be more specific to their needs. Part of this enables selection of 23 LTHC’s. Depending on starting levels they will be able to select appropriate activities which can be completed at home or in the outdoors. It allows individuals to purchase an apple watch for £10 and then ‘repays’ with exercise activity over a 24month period. Monthly payments for the watch are lower the more points achieved. The organisation pays for the difference. A great way to motivate, increase productivity and show how much you care about the employees/members you work with. The longevity and commitment required by the organisation will be greatly lifted and respected for both potential and current members/employees.
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Social Media - Your Help Needed!!
As mentioned above this campaign is actively asking people to come forward and drive home the messages that this Campaign highlights. These handy little quotes below are there for sharing purposes and come directly from the newsletter so go ahead and take your pick or use them as an idea and create your own to suit your needs! Brilliant for those of us in need of # help!
Living with a long term health condition can make getting moving tougher. But listening to your body and doing what you can, when you can, all adds up. Find out more about the #WeAreUndefeatable campaign, inspiring people with health conditions to get moving: https://weareundefeatable.co.uk/ #WeAreUndefeatable
Living with a health condition can make getting active challenging. The #WeAreUndefeatable campaign helps to inspire and support people with health conditions to get active in ways that work for them. Find out more on their site: https://weareundefeatable.co.uk/. #WeAreUndefeatable
A little can go a long way when it comes to getting active with a health condition. Find ways to get active that can work for you through the #WeAreUndefeatable campaign and see how others with a range of health conditions are getting moving on their terms, on their site: https://weareundefeatable.co.uk/our-stories
So, the key thing to remember with this one is that it doesn’t matter what your activity levels or physical abilities are or what your mental capacity is. There is something for everyone here. Simple resources and activities that have been specifically designed for those with LTHC’s based on extensive research. So we all have an opportunity to make some changes or make changes to someone else’s lives that you love and care for by removing barriers.
The important links from the text are below for your reference.
We are Undefeatables
COVID-19 Support Page
Get Moving Around The House
Five In Five Cards
15 Ways To Move Poster
YouTube Webinar
Facebook Page
YouTube Page
Ways To Move For Free
The Canal & River Trust
Accessibility Walking Map
This Girl Can
Move It Or Loose It
Parasport
EXI Life
Stay Well, Stay Safe and coming up next week;
Part two of The We Are Undefeatables Programme, with the intention to focus on 12 of the 15 Health Charities that work in partnership with each other. Their sole aim is to get everyone moving despite their medical condition. We will explore some of the specific medical conditions, the barriers, concerns, anxieties and of course some top tips to help you to get moving.
However, we start small and build. Of course you don’t have to have a condition that falls into one of the specific categories to access the great resources and support that are available to you.
A real opportunity for coaches and instructors to broaden their knowledge, understand where the issues are, what people have to manage and integration of a wider clientele to what you are currently offering by removing obstacles that are causing stress and anxiety.