As the NHS unveils its long-awaited 10-Year Plan, attention has swiftly turned to how prevention will be prioritised in tackling the nation’s growing health crisis. ukactive, the leading body representing the physical activity sector, has responded with a call for the Government to embed fitness and leisure services at the core of national health strategy.

With physical inactivity contributing to a sharp rise in preventable illnesses, the message is clear: the success of this plan hinges on mobilising the gyms, pools, and community facilities already transforming lives across the UK.

In his statement, ukactive CEO Huw Edwards welcomed the Government’s ambition to get “millions more moving” but stressed that real progress will only come by tapping into the full potential of the existing physical activity network.

From tackling health inequalities in deprived areas to integrating proven exercise-led interventions into NHS pathways, the sector stands ready to support a more active, healthier future—if it’s given a proper seat at the table.

In response to the publication of the NHS 10-Year Plan ukactive issued the following statement:

Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “Prevention must be at the heart of our nation’s health strategy and there is collective hope that the 10-Year Plan, and the implementation plans that follow, will help create an NHS ‘fit for the future’.

“But for this plan to be successful where previous plans have failed, the Government must lean on our nation’s network of gyms, pools and leisure centres to support people in all areas to be more active.

“The plan recognises the value of ‘getting millions more moving’ which is welcomed, but any campaign to drive this must involve the full breadth of the physical sector, especially ukactive’s members, who are the engine room behind the UK’s physical activity levels.

“Our sector already has a huge impact on the health and wellbeing of millions, with fitness activities and swimming shown as the biggest drivers of physical activity other than walking, but demand is growing and there is an urgent need to reach more communities.

“The Government has an opportunity through the ‘neighbourhood health service’ to integrate physical activity into the deprived areas where inequalities are highest.

“We need to see clear plans to help incentivise more people to be active and for the full integration of health and fitness services into care pathways, including scaling proven programmes such as MSK hubs and Prehab4Cancer.

“In the case of weight-loss medications, it is essential the Government works with our sector on the required wraparound support to ensure people achieve sustainable results and avoid potential health complications.

“We will work with the Government to understand the details behind the plan and ensure all areas for our sector’s support and investment are addressed.”