East Lindsey Active: Green Exercise project evaluation

Abstract

The aim of East Lindsey Active is to improve the health and well-being of local residents, and to connect people to nature in their local area. The main focus of the project is on the coastal strip as this is proven to have the highest levels of obesity and the lowest levels of physical activity in the region. The Green Exercise element of the project involves working closely with local GPs and exercise referral specialists to support individuals in making lifestyle changes by using the outdoors to improve their physical and mental health. The project involves two primary activities, to which participants are referred by health professionals: • Walking for Health, in which participants join groups for regular, led walks • Goes Green, in which participants join in with conservation activity in local green spaces such as nature reserves The aims of the project are to encourage East Lindsey residents to participate in regular physical activity and to address sedentary lifestyles and related diseases including obesity, diabetes, coronary heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and mental health issues. East Lindsey Active is delivered by Sustrans in partnership with The Big Lottery, East Lindsey District Council, Natural England and NHS Lincolnshire. This evaluation has been commissioned by the East Lindsey Active partnership, focusing on both individuals and groups involved in the programme starting in May 2010