Hampshire launches flexible movement campaign to support those with long-term health conditions

A new initiative across Hampshire aims to encourage people with health conditions like diabetes and arthritis to incorporate manageable activity into their daily lives, emphasising gradual progress over rigid targets.

A campaign designed to help people living with long-term health conditions become more active has been rolled out across Hampshire, with organisers saying the emphasis is on finding movement that feels realistic rather than chasing rigid targets.

The We Are Undefeatable initiative has been brought to the region by the physical activity charity Energise Me, working with the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board and public health teams. Energise Me says the scheme is intended to help people with conditions including diabetes, cancer, arthritis and Parkinson’s to build activity into daily life in ways that suit their circumstances. It is backed by 15 major health and social care charities and funded through Sport England’s National Lottery funding.

Public health leaders in Southampton have welcomed the campaign, arguing that even modest amounts of movement can improve both physical and mental health. Debbie Chase, the city council’s director of public health, said local residents have access to walking groups, community activity and tailored exercise support, and stressed that “every step counts”.

One of the campaign’s supporters, Southampton resident Liam Gifford, has described how a serious elbow injury in his early twenties left him avoiding exercise for 15 years. After trying gym sessions and running without success, he found movement classes at ZoieLogic Dance Theatre, where activities were adapted to suit what each participant could do. He said that experience transformed his view of exercise and has helped him return to walking, cycling, 10K running and recreational cricket, despite continuing limitations.

The campaign also reflects wider public health advice that people do not need to begin at the recommended 150 minutes of moderate activity a week. Instead, it encourages small, gradual changes and uses personal stories to help health professionals discuss movement with patients who have long-term conditions. Hampshire County Council has separately highlighted the links between regular physical activity and lower risks of depression, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, and has said it works with initiatives such as We Are Undefeatable to help residents find accessible ways to get started.