Health and wellbeing – Page 45 – The NEN

CHI in Local Government: Improving Outcomes through Partnership

CHI in Local Government Project brings together key partners to deliver better outcomes for citizens

A new project exploring the use of the Community Health Index (CHI) number in Scottish Local Government has been awarded £590,000 funding from the Scottish Government.

The ‘CHI in Local Government’ project, led by COSLA, the Digital Office for Scottish Local Government, and Public Health Scotland, seeks to improve information sharing across health, social work, and social care services.

The Community Health Index (CHI) System, which has underpinned NHS Scotland’s digital infrastructure for over 40 years, provides a unique patient number used across the health service. It supports everything from immunisation and screening programmes to primary and secondary care delivery.

The CHI In Local Government project aims to use the CHI number to improve the quality of the data services hold, allow services across health, social work, and social care to better match data, and ultimately deliver better outcomes for our citizens.

Accessing health, social work, and social care services all too often requires people to repeat their information. Using the CHI number as a common identifier across health, social work, and social care will reduce this duplication and improve integration of services. To deliver the highest standard of care, it is essential that our workforce have access to the right information at the right time.

The aims of the CHI in Local Government project align clearly with the ambitions set out in the joint COSLA and Scottish Government Digital strategy, Care in the Digital Age, and Data strategy, Greater Access, Better Insight, Improved Outcomes.

Both strategies emphasise the importance of robust information governance and seamless data sharing across health and social care.

Councillor Paul Kelly, COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson, said: “I am delighted that the CHI in Local Government project has received funding to progress to the Discovery phase.

“By using CHI more widely across our Councils we can improve data matching and, crucially, reduce the amount of times people accessing our services have to repeat their information.

“I look forward to continuing to champion this work as it progresses and ultimately delivers better outcomes for our citizens.”

Tom Arthur, Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing, said: “In line with the priorities recently set out in the Health and Social Care Service Renewal Framework, I am pleased to support this project.

“Using CHI numbers in social care means people will get a better level of service. By allowing information to be shared safely and confidentially between professionals, we can reduce duplication of work, and the time staff have to spend on administrative tasks.

“It will further embed the integration of health and social care and help in preparations for the health and social care online app, launching in Lanarkshire later this year.”

Martyn Wallace, Chief Digital Officer, Digital Office for Scottish Local Government, said: “I am thrilled with this significant investment as we continue to work closely with our public sector partners to enhance our digital services for citizens.

“By utilising the Community Health Index (CHI), we will streamline access to services, reduce the need for individuals to repeat their information, and ensure timely delivery of care.

“This initiative will also promote better integration of health and social care services, support other collaborative digital projects like the new Health & Social Care App, and ultimately improve outcomes for our citizens.”

Scott Heald, Director of Data and Digital Innovation, Public Health Scotland said: “Our vision at Public Health Scotland (PHS) is focused on ensuring communities can flourish across Scotland.

“We bring together data and intelligence to shape decisions affecting health and care. This work to adopt the Community Health Index (CHI) in Scottish Local Government will make a huge contribution towards how we can work with partners to maximise the benefits of digital and data in ways that will empower individuals and communities.

“PHS already collects and analyses data from across the domains of health and social care, much of which Is sourced directly from Local Government systems.

“The opportunity to integrate the CHI into those underlying systems will lead to faster, more efficient, and accurate production of whole-system data on health and social care services and provide insights on outcomes for individuals across Scotland.”

Healthy Heart Tip: The importance of hydration for heart health

Did you know that over 66% of the UK population doesn’t drink enough water? Lauren Hewitt, Registered Associate Nutritionist at Heart Research UK, breaks down why staying hydrated is essential for overall heart health:

Water makes up over half (60%) of your body weight, and every single cell in your body, including the cells that make up your heart, needs to be properly hydrated to work well.

Water performs many roles, such as regulating body temperature through sweating, lubricating joints and removing waste products.

Proper hydration is especially important when thinking about heart health because it impacts the cardiovascular system in several ways, and we share how you can ensure that you’re getting enough water to keep your heart healthy.

How does dehydration affect your heart?

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in. Fluids can be lost through breathing, sweating and if we are unwell or sick. When vital fluids are not replaced, your body may feel tired and lethargic. You could suffer from feeling thirsty, having a dry mouth, dark-coloured urine or headaches.

Lauren Hewitt, Registered Associate Nutritionist at Heart Research UK, explains: “Being dehydrated causes the amount of blood circulating in our body to decrease. When this happens, the heart must beat faster, which increases our heart rate and our blood pressure, which can increase our risk of a cardiac event. This is of particular concern if you already have high blood pressure or have been diagnosed with coronary heart disease.

“Many studies have found that adequate hydration is associated with reduced long-term risks of heart disease. Being hydrated helps your heart to pump blood more easily through your blood vessels and to your muscles. This means that your muscles, including your heart, do not have to work as hard.

“Older adults are at a higher risk of dehydration. As you age, your fluid reserve becomes smaller, you can struggle to sense when you are thirsty, and your ability to conserve water reduces.

“Hydration also plays an important role in aiding the digestive system to function effectively, preventing constipation and removing waste products from the body. It allows your brain to function optimally and supports your memory, mood, concentration and reaction times.”

How much should you aim to drink?

The NHS recommends that adults consume six to eight glasses or 1.5 to 2 litres of fluids per day. If it is a hot day or you do physical activity, which makes you sweat, you’ll need to drink more.

You will also need to drink more fluids if you are unwell, recovering from illness, or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. All of these require your body to lose more water and fluids, and you need to replace them to prevent dehydration.

“An easy way to monitor your hydration levels is by looking at the colour of your urine,” says Lauren. “You should aim for it to become a clear, pale-yellow colour throughout the day.

“If it remains dark after your first morning trip to the toilet, it’s a sign you need to drink more. The key to optimal hydration is to drink at regular intervals throughout the day.”

How do you stay hydrated?

Drinking water is the best way to remain hydrated however, other non-alcoholic drinks such as milk, juice and herbal teas count towards your daily fluid goals.

Fruit juices and smoothies also contribute towards hydration however, these should be limited to one small glass or 150ml per day, as they can contain high levels of sugar, and they should always be consumed with a meal to minimise the impact on your teeth.

Carrying a water bottle around with you and refilling it throughout the day may help you to remember to drink regularly.

Fruits and vegetables can also help to hydrate you. They contain electrolytes, which are minerals that play a role in fluid balance, and your body needs adequate levels of electrolytes to function optimally. Cucumbers, celery, strawberries and watermelons are all great options as they contain over 90% of water.

Hydration is a fundamental part of maintaining heart health. By staying hydrated, you help your heart to function efficiently, reducing stress on your heart and supporting your overall wellbeing.

Try the Heart Research UK 30-day hydration challenge and download it today to keep your heart healthyheart healthy:

https://heartresearch.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/30-Day-Hydration-Tracker.pdf

A new approach to mental health is tackling NHS backlog

Innovative pricing model to boost access to support

A GROWING number of people in Scotland struggling with mental health are being offered access to support thanks to a fairer pricing structure introduced by an innovative community interest company.

Connections Counselling, founded earlier this year by trained counsellor Ian Nicholson-Kapasi, is using a tiered-fee model designed to remove financial barriers and offer accessible counselling to those most in need.

Based in Edinburgh’s Drill Hall, the service has quickly drawn attention for its bold stance on affordability. The tiered system sees clients on lower incomes paying what they can afford, sometimes as little as £1 per session, while clients with greater means may contribute more, helping to subsidise access for others who may not be able to afford the same help.

Ian said: “I set up Connections Counselling to challenge the systemic inequality that exists within mental health services.

“We know the most vulnerable in our society are often least able to afford counselling. People in distress face enough challenges as it is. Lifting financial barriers helps create the space for those seeking change, to take meaningful steps toward helping themselves.”

Ian has drawn from personal experiences and years of training to launch the practice. Every £600 raised through the service guarantees 15 sessions of counselling at £40 per session, which will be offered to those otherwise unable to afford it.

While the core cost is covered, clients are still encouraged to contribute a nominal amount, helping preserve the value of the therapeutic relationship.

He added: “Our tiered system is designed to create fairer access, not just for those who can afford therapy, but for everyone. A higher fee doesn’t necessarily reflect the quality of the service, but often how a counsellor values their own time or circumstances. That’s not the same as the quality of the relationship.

“For many clients, especially those working through issues of self-worth, this can unintentionally reinforce a power imbalance. Our Tier 1 ‘pay-what-you-can’ model offers an alternative, one that honours client agency and sees the therapeutic relationship as a shared space of respect and care.”

The initiative comes at a time when the NHS is under unprecedented pressure, with wait times for mental health support in some areas stretching over a year.

While CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) remains the standard modality offered through the NHS, Connections Counselling adopts a more holistic approach, incorporating person-centred and psychodynamic therapies to better serve clients working with challenges such as trauma or understanding neurodivergent needs.

Ian explains: “There are incredible people working within the NHS, but the system is under strain, narrowly focused with CBT as a singular modality approach and doesn’t help enough with limited sessions.

“We want to help by offering longer-term, trauma-informed care that allows people to build meaningful therapeutic relationships. That flexibility can be vital in helping someone properly recover.”

Since launching, Connections has seen a growing waiting list for its tier one services. However, limited access to early-stage funding means growth is being restricted at a time when demand is surging.

“We are actively looking to partner with funders and businesses who share our vision of sustainable, accessible mental health care. Even modest donations can make a lasting impact.”

In addition to eliminating upfront cost barriers, the practice has also scrapped the widely used 24-hour cancellation fee, recognising it as a punitive measure that disproportionately impacts clients already in distress.

“Let’s say someone cannot leave the house due to anxiety, crisis, childcare issue or other common life happenings – charging them for a missed appointment reinforces not just a power imbalance but a financial barrier too – one that might be enough to stop someone who really needs access to support, from seeking it altogether. That is not how healing works,” he said.

“Unless a counsellor also offers money back, or a free next session if they (the counsellor) missed one, then they are actually saying to a client that their time is more valuable than the clients. This is not an ethical approach to counselling.”

While still in its preliminary stages, the practice already has ambitions for growth, including peer-support groups for practitioners and potential longer-term expansions into new locations across Edinburgh, Scotland and the UK.

Ian added: “The goal is to build a community of counsellors and clients who support each other. If the model proves successful in Edinburgh, there is no reason we cannot replicate it elsewhere.”

The service is open to referrals and currently accepts clients both online and in-person around the UK. Individuals or organisations interested in supporting the initiative can find more details via the Connections Counselling website.

Supporting Scotland’s Autistic Adults

£2.5m. fund allocated to third sector organisations

Nine organisations working with autistic adults are to benefit from a £2.5 million multi-year fund.

The Autistic Adult Support Fund, launched in 2023, supports third sector organisations to help autistic adults reach their full potential – supporting them, their families and their carers to understand what neurodivergence means for them and improve their wellbeing.

Among the latest recipients of the fund is The Anchor charity in Greenock, which is being awarded £247,450 to help autistic adults at risk of suicide or self-harm.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur said: “I am pleased to announce the recipients of this funding to provide support to autistic adults and their families and carers.

“All successful projects will meaningfully involve autistic people in the development, design, and delivery of the support. Autistic adults will be helped to thrive – the projects will support them to access services and improve their general wellbeing so they can get involved in and truly feel part of their community.

“Our commitment to multi-year funding will ensure that funded projects have the security and space to develop and grow high quality support, making the most of the skills and experiences of autistic people they support.”

Chris Paul, Chief Executive of The Anchor said: “We are delighted to have secured this funding, bringing the opportunity to support autistic adults in our community at new levels.

“As a local grassroots organisation with big ambition, we are looking forward to taking this project forward.”

Celia Tennant, Chief Executive Officer at Inspiring Scotland said: “Everyone in Scotland should have the same opportunity to lead happy and healthy lives and ensuring there is support to understand an autistic diagnosis or identity is important in making that possible.

“The volume of applications received to this fund further demonstrates not just the need for investment in this area but also the vital role that the third sector is providing in supporting autistic adults to understand their autism to improve wellbeing.

“In managing the application process for this new fund, we were pleased to be supported by a panel of autistic people and professionals from relevant areas, ensuring the fund decisions were informed by lived experience.”

Autistic Adult Support Fund – Inspiring Scotland

Full list of funded organisations:

Applicant	Type of Support	Area of Delivery	Requested Amount
HOPE for Autism	Group support, coaching, workshops	North Lanarkshire	£101,639.52
Autism Initiatives	Post diagnostic course, peer groups, one to one	Scotland	£486,756.00
SWAN Autism (Scotland)	Post diagnostic course, one to one, group support, counselling, workshops	Scotland	£305,989.00
Home-Start Orkney	Peer led support groups and resource development	Orkney	£72,342.05
Into Work	Autistic wellbeing and work programme	East Lothian; Edinburgh City; Midlothian	£186,043.39
The National Autistic Society	Post-diagnostic course and one t one support	National	£453,417.33
The Salvesen Mindroom Centre	One to one support	Scotland	£389,433.25
The Anchor SCIO	One to one support	Argyll & Bute; Inverclyde	£247,450.00
Lucy Faithfull Foundation	Group work, one to one support, training for professionals	Scotland	£205,577.00
Total			£2,448,647.54

‘Up to 80 percent of children leave school without a diagnosis’

Dyslexia assessment service now available in Edinburgh

Psychological therapy and neurodevelopmental assessment provider, HealthCare In Mind, has launched its new dyslexia assessment service in Edinburgh to provide access to official diagnoses for those who believe they are dyslexic. The private assessments are available for all children up to the age of 16 years old and don’t require a referral from a GP.

The British Dyslexia Association estimates that around 10 percent of the UK population is affected by dyslexia, with approximately 4% experiencing severe dyslexia. Furthermore, up to 80 percent of children leave school either without a diagnosis or the proper support required to reach their full potential.

To address this, HealthCare In Mind has launched its new service in Edinburgh to allow parents to secure a recognised diagnosis that will enable their children to access the support they require.

As well as dyslexia assessments, HealthCare in Mind offers a range of other diagnostic assessments and mental health services. These include fully comprehensive diagnostic assessments for ADHD and autism for both children and adults, and therapy treatments to manage mental health conditions such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and mood disorders.

HealthCare In Mind is led by Dr Simon Le Clerc MStJ, and Dr Kate Higham, alongside an expert team of psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists. It exists to provide instant access to the highest quality care to those in need.

Dr Simon Le Clerc commented: “A significant number of students with dyslexia are not receiving a proper diagnosis and, subsequently, are not being provided with the proper support that they require in order to achieve their academic potential.

“It’s important to remember that dyslexia does not affect intelligence, and has nothing to do with how bright or able a child is. But the condition does affect reading, writing and processing abilities, and without a diagnosis, children aren’t able to access vital arrangements and adjustments to improve their ability to engage with the school curriculum.

“Our private assessments are carried out by certified assessors that can provide a formal diagnosis in a timely and stress-free manner.”

To book a consultation, visit www.healthcareinmind.com.

Healthy Heart Tip: Guide to children’s nutrition

Amie Leckie, Health and Wellbeing Specialist at Heart Research UK, explores how good nutrition is one of the most important building blocks for a child’s health and offers advice on how to support your child’s heart health.

In today’s world, where convenience foods are often within arm’s reach, it can be challenging for parents to ensure their children are eating nutritious, balanced meals.

Amie Leckie, Health and Wellbeing Specialist at Heart Research UK, says: “Children can be quite picky, and dealing with a stubborn child who refuses to eat any vegetables can be a real challenge.

However, making small, consistent changes in how we approach children’s diets can have lasting positive effects on their health, energy levels, and even behaviour.

At the core of a healthy diet are three main principles: eating foods as close to their natural state as possible, limiting processed foods and eating balanced meals.”

Prioritising whole foods

When we talk about whole foods, we mean foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. For example, a banana is a whole food and banana chips are a processed food; a potato is a whole food, but crisps, which are made from potatoes, are a processed food.

Whole foods should be the foundation of children’s diets as they are full of essential nutrients, which are crucial for a child’s growth and development.

“Whole foods include fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, lean proteins, and healthy fats,” Amie explains. “Fruits and vegetables, for example, are full of antioxidants and vitamins like C and A, which support immune function and eye health.

“Wholegrains like oats, brown rice, and quinoa provide steady energy throughout the day and help maintain healthy digestion.

“Lean proteins, such as chicken, fish, eggs, and beans, contain vital building blocks for muscle and support cognitive function. Including healthy fats from avocados, nuts, seeds, yoghurt and olive oil is important as these fats support brain development and hormone production.”

Childhood is a stage of rapid growth, and it is vitally important that we give their bodies what they need to grow properly. When children regularly eat whole foods, they get the nutrients they need to grow strong and stay healthy, while also developing their taste buds for healthy foods.

Limiting processed foods

Processed foods are foods that were once whole foods or a group of whole foods that have been modified somehow. When this happens, essential nutrients are lost and often, especially with pre-packed foods, ingredients have been added such as salt, sugar, sweeteners, flavourings and unhealthy fats.

Processed foods are everywhere, and they often appeal to children due to their convenience, added flavours and eye-catching packaging. For parents, it can be hard to avoid these, especially as children get older and start noticing food products in the wider world, rather than just what is in their house.

Processed foods include sugary cereals, crisps, fizzy drinks, fast food, ready meals, packet noodles and packaged snacks.

The added ingredients in these products can lead to overeating, energy crashes, and may increase the risk of childhood obesity, diabetes, and other long-term health issues, affecting children’s behaviour.

Amie explains: “The key to limiting processed foods lies in focusing on balance and moderation rather than completely banning them. It’s okay for kids to occasionally enjoy these foods, but parents should be mindful of how often these foods are part of daily meals. Try to cook as many meals as possible from scratch and limit your reliance on convenience foods.

“A helpful tip is to make healthier swaps where possible, such as offering water or milk instead of sugary drinks or opting for wholegrain crackers and natural peanut butter as a snack, rather than crisps and chocolate. Start with small swaps and layer them as the weeks go by, so it doesn’t upset your little one too much.”

Creating balanced meals

Thinking about offering balanced meals can help parents ensure they are providing nutrient-dense plates that will keep children nourished and full. A balanced plate typically consists of a variety of food groups such as vegetables and/or fruits, wholegrains, proteins and healthy fats.

“A good example of a balanced meal for a child could be baked homemade chicken goujons using whole wheat breadcrumbs, homemade sweet potato chips, steamed broccoli drizzled with a little olive oil, and a side of fresh fruit such as apple slices or melon wedges. This combination offers a range of nutrients, including protein, fibre, carbohydrates and healthy fats, which are essential for growth and energy. The combination of these foods will help keep children feeling fuller for longer and keep their blood sugar stable, which means steady energy and fewer sugar cravings,” Amie says.

Encouraging kids to eat a variety of colours on their plate is a fun and effective way to ensure they are getting a variety of different vitamins and minerals. Different coloured fruits and vegetables contain different antioxidants and nutrients, so diversity is key. Fruits and vegetables are a great source of fibre, which helps keep the digestive system healthy. Heart Research UK has created a Rainbow Food Challenge to help encourage your children and yourself to try some new foods, so download your copy now.

Amie advises: “Parents can often feel a sense of failure if their children don’t eat what they make or try tactics to encourage children to eat by offering rewards and treats, which in the long-term don’t help establish healthy eating patterns. Parents cannot control what children will decide to eat on any given day, but they can, to some extent and at least in the home environment, control what foods are on offer, and lead by example and nourish ourselves with healthy food.”

Building healthy eating habits from a young age sets children up for a lifetime of good health, which includes heart health. By focusing on whole foods, limiting processed foods, and creating balanced meals, parents can provide the essential nutrients their children need to grow, thrive, and feel their best. It may take time and patience, but with consistent effort, the benefits of a nutritious diet will soon become clear in a child’s energy, mood, behaviour and overall wellbeing.

From Heartbreak to Hope: – New national charity for seriously ill children’s mental health

Imagine This, the only UK charity solely dedicated to children’s mental health, today unveils its new name as part of a bold new chapter in its mission to support the mental wellbeing of seriously ill children and their families across the UK. Formerly known as The Murray Parish Trust, the rebrand marks a renewed focus on this urgent and underserved area.

Founded in 2014 by actors Sarah Parish MBE and Jim Murray MBE, following the tragic loss of their daughter Ella-Jayne at just 8 months old, the charity has spent over a decade delivering life-changing projects in paediatric care in Hampshire, where the couple live. In 2024, the charity expanded its mission nationally in response to the growing need for mental health support in children’s healthcare.

MBE

Awarded in the 2025 New Year’s Honours List, their MBEs will be formally presented by HRH The Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle tomorrow. The Honours celebrate a decade of extraordinary dedication to improving the lives of seriously ill children and their families across the UK.

Their leadership has driven vital progress in paediatric care, from funding life-saving medical equipment to championing imaginative, mental health-focused projects that offer children and families hope, connection, and support during the hardest times.

Rebrand

Today, The Murray Parish Trust is rebranding as Imagine This: an inspiring new name designed to capture hearts, inspire hope, and raise the profile of the urgent mental health crisis facing seriously ill children and their families. This fresh identity reflects the charity’s renewed commitment to being more imaginative, accessible, and far-reaching in its mission.

The need for mental health support for these children is immense and growing, and to meet this, Imagine This is positioning itself to scale its projects and extend its reach across the entire UK. With a clear focus on ensuring no seriously ill child or family faces the mental health challenges of serious illness alone, the charity’s mission is to reach every seriously ill child by 2035.

Key Statistics

There are more than one million seriously ill children in the UK. These children, and their families, are significantly more likely to experience poor mental health, facing trauma, anxiety, and isolation, often with little or no emotional support.

Recent research shows that nearly one in five seriously ill children suffer from anxiety, and around one in seven live with depression, rates far higher than those in the general child population.

The emotional toll extends to parents, who are often expected to cope alone. Mothers of seriously ill children are particularly vulnerable, with one in four experiencing anxiety or depression . Fathers, too, frequently report suffering in silence.

Behind these statistics are children missing school, withdrawing from their friends, and struggling to cope with overwhelming diagnoses and medical trauma, without access to the broad, holistic support they urgently need.

From creative therapies to peer connection, tailored emotional care, and safe spaces just to be children, these forms of support can be life-changing, but far too many go without.

“Imagine being told your child has a serious illness, and trying to hold your family together while navigating a world focused almost entirely on their medical care”, says co-founder Sarah Parish MBE.

“We know that trauma firsthand, and we know how much more support families need. Without early, meaningful support, the impact on children and their families’ mental health can last a lifetime.

“That’s why Imagine This exists:to help ensure no child or family faces the emotional toll of serious illness alone.

Our vision is for every seriously ill child and their family to have access to the kind of imaginative, empowering support that helps them navigate their journey with connection, resilience, and hope. This new identity marks our commitment to every one of these children and their families.”

The name Imagine This captures both empathy and possibility, a reflection of the daily challenges faced by seriously ill children and their families, and a call to reimagine what meaningful support can look like.

The charity delivers imaginative, diverse and impactful projects, helping families cope with the emotional and psychological toll of serious illness.

These innovative projects include groundbreaking Positivity in Motion – dance, music and yoga therapy delivered in partnership with Synergy Dance Outreach, to children at Great Ormond Street Hospital and Evelina London Children’s Hospital.

“This isn’t just a name change,” co-founder Jim Murray MBE adds. “It’s the beginning of a bold, nationwide movement to transform how we support the mental wellbeing of seriously ill children and their families living through the unimaginable.

“Our ambition is clear: by 2035, we aim to reach every seriously ill child in the UK, bringing imaginative and innovative projects to children in hospitals, hospices, and communities across the UK. Imagine This is the only UK charity solely dedicated to this urgent need, and we’re just getting started.”

Professor Lorna Fraser of Palliative Care and Child Health at King’s College London says, “When a child becomes seriously ill, this can impact the entire family.

“Our research shows the impact of serious physical illness on the mental health of the children and their parents, and how difficult it can be to access timely and appropriate support.

“We need to prioritise mental health support – it is an essential component of care for children with serious illness and their families. Imagine this is helping to shift that thinking, and it’s long overdue.”

This milestone also marks the start of an exciting new chapter, with the appointment of Ellie Main as Head of Fundraising and Operations.

Formerly Senior Fundraising Manager at BBC Children in Need, Ellie brings a wealth of experience in strategic growth and nationwide programme delivery, putting Imagine This in a strong position to scale its impact and reach every seriously ill child in the UK by 2035.

To find out more, visit imaginethis.org.uk

Joe Wicks and UK Government join forces to get children moving

New animated series for kids, known as Activate, will get more children across the country moving more and encouraging a healthier lifestyle

Children to be inspired to get physically active over summer as Joe Wicks, MBE, launches Activate, a new animated series for kids
Created by Joe and produced by Studio AKA, Activate aims to tackle inactivity among children through fun, five-minute workouts – led by Joe as an animated character
Programme backed by government funding as part of Plan for Change to give children the best start in life

Children are being inspired to move more this summer following the launch of a new series from fitness coach, Joe Wicks MBE, backed by the UK government as part of a new partnership to reach schools and families across the country.

The innovative animated Activate series features five-minute episodes which combine animation with upbeat music, courtesy of Universal Music UK, encouraging children to enjoy short bursts of movement that easily fit into their day and can be transformational for their physical and mental health. The government will be backing the programme to fund a further ten episodes.

The series has been co-created by Joe and BAFTA award-winning Studio AKA (creators of Hey Duggee), bringing the nation’s favourite fitness coach to life through animation for the first time.

Activate is backed by the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, which is already hitting the ground running with its pledge to work with influencers and changemakers across society to shift the NHS from treating illness to preventing it.

The new animated series was unveiled at Ripple Primary School in Barking, east London, where Joe Wicks and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, met teachers and parents to discuss keeping kids moving over the summer holidays and beyond.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Childhood obesity robs our young people of their future, and inactivity is one of the biggest culprits. That’s why it’s crucial to start building healthy habits from a young age.

“Our 10 Year Health Plan sets out how we would tackle obesity through prevention and today demonstrates how we’re taking action. In the spirit of mission-driven government, we’re building a coalition of the willing to tackle the obesity epidemic head-on.

“This initiative directly supports our focus on giving children the best start in life—a cornerstone of our Plan for Change. By investing in prevention today, we’re building a healthier generation for tomorrow.”

Being physically active is good for physical and mental health and helps relieve pressure on the NHS, preventing an additional £10.5 billion worth of treatment a year. Despite that, inactivity levels remain stubbornly high for adults and children, with huge inequalities across the country. The Activate programme represents a collaborative approach to tackling this growing health challenge.

The first episode is now available on Joe Wicks’ The Body Coach YouTube channel, with further episodes set to be released weekly over the summer holidays.

The series is released five years after Wicks united the nation with PE With Joe, which received over 100 million views online. Now, Joe is on a renewed mission to get children moving through this series.

Joe Wicks said: “Activate is the natural next step in everything I’ve worked towards over the past decade. From my early YouTube workouts, to ‘PE with Joe’ during the pandemic, my goal has always been to get children moving and feeling good – physically and mentally.

“This project brings together everything I am most passionate about, and everything I’ve learned on my journey – going back to my own childhood where I discovered movement as a way to cope with the challenges of living with parents with drug addiction and mental health issues.

“Activate is designed to make movement fun and inclusive for every child, with short, high-energy workouts that fit into everyday life – these can be enjoyed in the living room, the garden, in the classroom, or anywhere else!

“As a dad, I know how important it is to make movement something kids enjoy, not something they have to do. That’s exactly what Activate is all about so I hope it can be a real support for busy families, this summer and beyond.”

Earlier this month, the UK government launched its 10 Year Health Plan, which outlined how a shift from sickness to prevention will safeguard the nation’s health and put forward a range of measures to tackle growing rates of childhood obesity.

Obesity rates have doubled since the 1990s, including among children. A forthcoming report by the Chief Medical Officer will show that more than 1 in 5 children are living with obesity by the time they leave primary school, rising to almost 1 in 3 in areas with higher levels of poverty and deprivation.

Measures included in the 10 Year Health Plan include:

Launching a world-first partnership with food retailers and manufacturers to help families make healthier choices
Restricting junk food advertising targeted at children
Reforming the soft drinks industry levy to drive reformulation

This two-pronged approach of encouraging active lifestyles and healthy diets aims to tackle the UK’s most preventable chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, whilst tackling the £11.4 billion bill that obesity costs the NHS a year.

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, said: “I know what a difference sport and physical activity make in shaping a young person’s life. It’s why we’re investing £400 million in grassroots facilities for all, joining up schools with sports clubs across the country and backing major events that inspire.

“For too long, it has felt as if we have hit a ceiling on participation in this country, and for too long the dial on inactivity has gone unmoved. Together, through initiatives like this, we will put that right and deliver on our Plan for Change.”

With Universal Music UK as the exclusive music partner, each episode features upbeat tunes from UK artists, including Becky Hill and Bastille. Each track has been chosen for its appeal to parents and children alike.

Sue Goffe, Chief Executive at Studio AKA, said: “We’re thrilled to bring the world of Activate to life through animation.

“Collaborating with Joe Wicks has been a joy, and we’re proud to be part of this creative project to inspire movement and wellbeing in children.”

Sarah Boorman, General Manager, Youth Strategies at Universal Music UK, said: “Our shared goal with Joe was to make being active feel like something children genuinely want to do, powered by great music which is appropriate for them and loved by families too.

Alison Lomax, Managing Director for YouTube UK & Ireland, said: “We’re so excited that Joe Wicks is bringing his new kids’ fitness show Activate to YouTube just in time for the (English – Ed.) holidays.

“Joe’s fun, energetic approach to getting kids moving has already made a huge impact on our platform, and Activate is set to become a go-to for families looking to keep active over the summer. It’s great to see YouTube being used in such a positive way – bringing free, accessible, and family-friendly fitness to homes everywhere.”

Created by Studio AKA, the BAFTA-winning creators of Hey Duggee, the Activate series sees Joe Wicks brought to life through animation alongside six loveable new characters, ‘The Activators’, accompanied by upbeat music from top UK artists. Together, they make movement feel personal, playful, and inclusive – so every child can find a character to connect with.

Joe and the Activators lead children through fun, five-minute bursts of movement, that can be easily integrated into their day – whether at home, at summer clubs or on the go.

With Wicks appearing as an animated character (a first for the family fitness coach), each short episode offers a burst of movement, fun, and energy to get kids’ hearts pumping and minds engaged. These include easy-to-follow exercises like jogging, squats, and burpees, wrapped up in a playful, gamified format that can keep kids active over the summer holidays and beyond.

But Activate isn’t just for the summer holidays. It will also be available to schools during term time, to help build confidence, support mental wellbeing, and help children develop healthy habits for life.

Joe added: “Being turned into an animated character has been a surreal and wonderful experience, and my dream is that it connects with millions of kids and families across the UK and beyond.”

Update on measles in Scotland – ensure everyone in your family is fully protected

Cases of Measles are on the rise across the world, so we encourage everyone to make sure you have received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Vaccination and Immunisation at PHS, explains more:

As measles cases continue to increase across the world, including in England where outbreaks continue, Public Health Scotland (PHS) is continuing to encourage the public to take up the offer of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Having two doses of the MMR vaccine is the best way to be fully protected against measles.

As of 9 July, there have been 27 cases of laboratory confirmed measles in Scotland in 2025.

Measles can be a very serious condition, causing pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and can affect people of any age if they have not been vaccinated.

The MMR vaccine protects against measles with the first dose offered to children between 12-13 months, and the second dose offered at 3 years 4 months. If it’s missed at these times, it can be given at any age.

Uptake of MMR has declined across all UK nations in recent years and there remains a risk of infection in those who are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated for their age.

Health care workers should also have two doses of MMR and are advised to speak to with their employer or occupational health department if they haven’t been fully vaccinated.

Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Vaccination and Immunisation at PHS said: “Measles is highly infectious and can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications for some people.

“We’ve seen a modest decline in vaccination rates in Scotland over the last decade which is a concern as measles can spread quickly in communities where vaccination rates are low.

“That’s why we’re encouraging anyone who hasn’t had two doses of the free MMR vaccine, as well as parents and carers of children who have missed a dose, to visit the NHS Inform website and find out how to arrange an appointment in their local health board area.

“We would also encourage those who are planning to travel anytime soon to ensure that you and your children are up to date with all your vaccinations before leaving the country.”

For more information on the history of measles, read our blog Measles – a clear and continuing threat.

More information on measles, including what to do if you think someone in your family has symptoms, can be found on Measles | NHS inform.

Further information on how to check you / your child is fully protected can be found on MMR against measles | NHS inform.

Health protection teams and other health professionals can find the latest measles public health guidance here: Guidance for professionals – Measles and find the latest campaign assets here.

Updates on case numbers are published on our data and surveillance page every Thursday.

https://publichealthscotland.scot/news/2025/july/update-on-measles-in-scotland-ensure-everyone-in-your-family-is-fully-protected

Unheard voices reshape health and care in pioneering arts research project

Clubs, schools, day centres and other community settings could help to make health and care more accessible, new research suggests.

Familiar places like these could remove barriers to care, like not being sure if there is a health or care issue, where to go, how to get there, who to see or what to tell the health or care practitioner.

This is one of more than 20 recommendations made by people across the UK who researchers say are rarely consulted about the design of health and social care services.

A new report coins the term ‘seldom-listened-to’ to describe these people and communities. The researchers also coin the term ‘health labour’ to describe the effort needed by seldom-listened-to people to access health and care.

The report, titled Designing the future of care with seldom-listened-to people, encompassed ten projects across the UK, from Kent in south east England to the Highlands and Islands in Scotland.

Participants in the research included siblings of children with life-limiting conditions; women, trans men, non-binary, and gender nonconforming people with energy limiting chronic illness, such as Long Covid and autoimmune conditions; older autistic people with learning disabilities; people living with chronic inflammatory disease, endometriosis; rural communities in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland; diverse communities in Greater Manchester; children living in areas of high deprivation in the South Tees region; African-Caribbean communities in London; mental health service users in Kent and both patients and staff who are staying or working in care units in hospitals.

“The people in our study are from communities which aren’t often listened to or included in discussions about the design of health and care services,” explained Professor Mary Stewart, academic lead for the project and Director of Social Interaction, Mental Health and Wellbeing at Heriot-Watt University.

“And yet these communities can experience profound health and care inequalities that can impact on their physical and mental health, quality of life, and the ability to live well – not only for the individual – but also their families and the wider community.

“Our research sets out the specific ways in which staff, organisations, stakeholders, and policymakers can place seldom-listened-to individuals and communities at the heart of the design of the future of health and care.

“We show not only that this is possible – but that it’s vital to co-design the future of health and care with these people and communities to improve health and care for everyone.”

The report is part of research funded by the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) – which supports arts and humanities research and study in the UK – and uses creative methods to explore how seldom-listened-to people and groups would like the future of health and social care to look.

Instead of using traditional research methods like surveys and interviews – which aren’t always accessible to seldom-listened-to people – the researchers worked with artists and creative methods to capture the views and experiences of participants. These creative methods included film, music, poetry, podcasts, comics, creative writing and folk stories.

Through a series of activities and workshops, the seldom-listened-to participants ‘reimagined’ health and social care services which could give them more say in decision-making, help them to access and engage with care – and use safer spaces to build trust and rapport.

Research co-author Bryony Nisbet, a Psychology Research Assistant at Heriot-Watt University, explained: “By safer spaces, we mean community places that are already familiar to people, and where they may already have support from trusted others.

“For example, if you’re an autistic adult with learning disabilities, accessing health and care in a day centre you already attend potentially removes the huge physical and sensory overload of trying to get to and navigate around a new place you’ve never been to before.

“For the NHS and social care, the practical change we’re proposing is moving the point of care from GP surgeries into the community. This in turn can help to tackle the growing burden on primary care in the UK.”

Other recommendations in the report include providing multidisciplinary services that span sectors including housing, employment and education – alongside health and care.

Care should also anticipate future needs, for example by developing ‘future-ready homes’ that are already adapted to meet the needs of vulnerable groups as they get older.

The report also recommends that professionals are trained to work with people with varying communication, cognitive, sensory and cultural needs.

The research aligns with the UK government’s 10-year plan to bring the NHS closer to home, including neighbourhood health centres which will house services under one roof and will be open at evenings and weekends.

The researchers have written a policy brief detailing their recommendations for policymakers. This will be shared with politicians across the UK, including Members of the Scottish Parliament and Members of Parliament at Westminster.

The ten projects in the research were all partnerships between communities, community organisations and universities. The other university partners were University of Liverpool, University of Greenwich, University of Strathclyde, Edge Hill University in Lancashire, University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, Teeside University, University of Kent and University of the Highlands and Islands Inverness.

The organisations and charities involved in the research included disability group Chronic Illness Inclusion, Manchester public arts project We Live Here; charity Endometriosis UK; Scottish Autism; educational institution Tees Valley Education Trust and arts community outreach project, Inverness Openarts.

Participants in the research included Oliver Waite, who took part in University of Manchester’s research project, called NHS 75/150 Looking Back, Looking Forwards. This engaged diverse communities in Greater Manchester in discussions around the future of health and care. Oliver’s story is captured in a comic-book style artwork that highlights the importance of seeing people as individuals.

Oliver explained: “I have schizoaffective disorder, I’m autistic and I’ve transitioned from female to male. But I’m more than just a list of medical issues.

“I’m a part-time history student with the Open University, I build models, such as Lego, and I play wheelchair rugby league.”

Dr Myrtle Emmanuel, Associate Professor in Human Resource Management & Organisational Behaviour at the University of Greenwich, led a research project called Re-igniting Windrush folk stories and songs to improve African-Caribbean mental health disparities in the London Boroughs of Lewisham and Greenwich.

She said: “African-Caribbean communities are 40% more likely than white British people to come into contact with mental health services and to be detained under the Mental Health Act. “

Our project looked at a different approach, one that builds on the cultural traditions and community support that have always helped people stay mentally well. Through storytelling and folk song workshops, we created a practical toolkit to help promote good mental health in local communities”

Dr Rachel Carroll, an Associate Professor in English at Teeside University, led a research project called, Empowering children to shape the future of research on social inequality, health and wellbeing.

She said: “The children and young people in our project were able to explore and express their lived experiences and perspectives on social inequality and health and wellbeing through a series of interactive and inclusive workshops, including comic-making, creative writing, dance and performance.

“We hope the artworks, creative writing and films that captured their voices will help health professionals, policy makers, researchers and the wider public to learn from the experience and insights of children and young people.”