Meet the Team, Alys Murphy, Health and Physical Activity Strategic Lead

Our Health and Physical Activity Strategic Lead talks about her role and what inspires her commitment to getting more people active.

Describe your role and responsibilities as Health and Physical Activity Strategic Lead

I work with health partners across the system to integrate physical activity into health pathways. This involves working closely with NHS, public health teams, voluntary and community organisations. Key to this work is ensuring we support individuals with long-term conditions and disabilities to be more active.

How is Active Black Country making a difference in getting people active across the region?

Active Black Country is committed to tackling inequalities in access to physical activity across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton. The place-based expansion work is helping us to better understand physical activity needs at a local level and co-design solutions with those who have the most to gain from being active.

What do you like most about the Black Country?

The people are the best part of the Black Country. In my first few months in role, I have been inspired by the passion and commitment of people working in voluntary and community organisations, as well as healthcare professionals. There is a real shared drive to support each other and make a positive difference using the power of physical activity.

In your work, what has been your biggest personal achievement recently?

Recently, I have worked with a group of Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise organisations to produce a lived experience report for a primary care child obesity project at the Black Country Integrated Care Board. This has helped us to build and strengthen partnerships with VCFSE groups and primary care. Most importantly, it has helped us to demonstrate the importance of lived experience and improve promotion of physical activity within primary care.

Describe yourself in three words?

Compassionate. Committed. Optimistic.

Describe what physical activity means to you and how it benefits your physical and mental wellbeing?

For me, physical activity is about moving my body. This helps me to clear my head and makes me feel good. I enjoy running in green space and going to the gym with friends or family. As a physiotherapist, I have seen first-hand the importance of movement and rehabilitation in preventing illness and supporting recovery. Physical activity is a powerful tool for improving health and wellbeing which should be accessible for everyone.