Live Longer Better Network News – Issue No.12 June 2025
Introduction
Welcome to the June edition of the Live Longer Better Network News, which features a selection of articles, including the launch of the Age UK ‘Act Now, Age Better’ campaign to stay active as we get older.
Thank you for being a network member and helping to promote physical, cognitive and emotional activity for the over 55’s to support their overall wellbeing and healthy lifespan. Please share the Network News with your friends, colleagues and other organisations. They can also subscribe to our mailing list to receive future editions of the network news straight to their inbox.
Active Kent & Medway Conference 2025
SAVE THE DATE: We are delighted to announce the 2025 Active Kent & Medway Conference will take place on Wednesday 15 October 2025, from 9:30 to 15:30 at the Kent Event Centre, Detling, Kent, ME14 3JF.
Our confirmed keynote speakers include Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director of Place at Sport England and Sarah Philpott, five-time Solo Channel Swimmer, Original Triple Crown (World #7), Mental Health Warrior, Ocean and Environment Activist.
You will also hear from representatives across sport, physical activity, and health sectors as they take part in a Q&A session and talk about the contribution they are making to ‘Move Together’, the county-wide strategy for sport and physical activity. There will be a choice of ‘bite-sized briefings’ on key topics, as well as the opportunity to network with other delegates throughout the day.
Act Now, Age Better
Age UK has launched Act Now, Age Better – a new campaign talking about staying active and starting a national conversation about what it means to get older. We’re living longer, and with the right choices, we can also live better. Of course, not all illness is avoidable – but it may be possible to reduce the risk of health problems by taking earlier action. While genetics influence how we age, our daily habits also play a crucial role. One in six deaths in the UK is linked to physical inactivity. Staying active now increases the chances of living the life we want later. The campaign aims to share simple, effective ways to move more that can work for modern life. Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi shares the evidence for an active life in this short film:
Include to Improve
The Activity Alliance and Sport for Confidence have launched Include to Improve, a two year programme funded by Sport England. The aim is to improve opportunities for disabled people to take part, volunteer and work in sports and activities.
The Alliance wants to hear from disabled people about their lived experiences and from organisations wanting to strengthen their commitment to disabled people’s inclusion in sport and physical activity.
To find out more please email: includetoimprove@activityalliance.org.uk or call: 0808 175 6991
Exercise Referral Schemes
Exercise referral schemes are structured programmes where healthcare professionals, such as GPs, refer individuals to a qualified exercise professional to support their physical activity and health goals.
On the Everyday Active website, you’ll find a list of exercise referral schemes taking place in various locations across Kent. We recommend you contact the scheme directly for further information. If you’re aware of an exercise referral scheme taking place in your local area and you’d like it listed here, please email Yasmin.hosken@kent.gov.uk.
Follow this link to view the list of Exercise Referral Schemes
Social Care Involvement Groups
Hosted by Kent County Council Adult Social Care and Health’s Involvement and Information Team, the social care involvement groups are ongoing discussion forums for people who draw on care and support and unpaid carers, to help shape adult social care for the future.
Groups are in-person and online. More details about the forums and how to register can be found here:
Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteering across Kent and Medway offers a rich and rewarding way to give back to the community, develop new skills, and connect with others. Both Kent County Council and Medway Council support a wide range of volunteer roles—from helping in libraries, countryside conservation, and youth services, to supporting local sports and wellbeing initiatives.
Via the KCC Volunteers website and Medway Volunteers website, individuals can explore opportunities that match their interests and availability. Whether you’re looking to make a difference in your local area, gain experience, or simply meet new people, there’s a place for everyone to get involved and contribute to building stronger, more connected communities
Learning Opportunities
Everyday Active Workshop
The Everyday Active Workshop is for anyone wanting to improve their knowledge and understanding of the benefits of physical activity, to feel confident about having conversations with others to help get more people, more active across Kent and Medway. Join us online for one of our next free workshops taking place on the following dates:
- Tuesday 8 July, 13:00 – 14:30
- Thursday 18 September, 9.30 – 11:00
- Tuesday 2 December, 13:00 – 14:30
“I attended your online workshop today and wanted to say what a very worthwhile session it was. Well done for the great work of Everyday Active”. NHS Health Promotion, Gravesham.
Follow this link to book an Everyday Active Workshop
From Hospital to Community Webinar
Active Cheshire and Cheshire & Wirral NHS Foundation Trust are running an online webinar tailored for strategic leaders across the physical and mental health system: From Hospital to Community on Wednesday 25 June 2025, 13:30 – 15:00.
The session will offer a unique opportunity to hear how a collaborative place-based approach is helping to address stark physical health inequalities among people living with severe mental illness (SMI) in our communities. The webinar will include stories, relationships, and the groundwork required for sustainable impact. It is an opportunity to explore how we can collectively embed compassionate, preventative, and person-centred approaches to health inequalities across our systems.
National Wellbeing Campaigns
Plastic Free July
Find out about Plastic Free July
Samaritans Talk to Us Month: July 2025
Find out about Samaritans Awareness Month and Day 24 July
United Nations International Day of Friendship: 30 July 2025
Find out about International Day of Friendship
Cycle to Work Day: 7 August 2025
Find out about Cycle to Work Day
National Allotments Week: 11 – 17 August 2025
Other News
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you
If there’s anything in our network news you’d like to discuss further, please contact Michelle Bird, our Health & Wellbeing Officer via email: michelle.bird@kent.gov.uk.