More Black Country GPs Champion Physical Activity with ‘Active Practice’ Status

Active Black Country is supporting applications from GP practices for the Royal College of GPs ‘Active Practice Charter’ for their work to promote physical activity among staff and patients.

A total of four practices across the Black Country currently have the accreditation, with several more awaiting review and 21 others developing applications that will showcase how they are placing greater emphasis on physical activity as part of their wider services.

Supporting GP practices to get active

Among the GPs who recently received the Active Practice Charter is Walsall GP Dr Aziz Farhat who works at Collingwood Family Practice.

She leads the Modality Walsall Walking Club for staff and members of the community to get active together - a great opportunity to meet new people, join a walk and enjoy the outdoors.

Commenting on the benefits of the walks, Dr Farhat said: "As GPs, we’re not just clinicians sitting in our surgeries, we’re part of the community we serve.

“These walks give us the opportunity to get active alongside our patients, build relationships outside the consulting room and support both physical and mental wellbeing. Walking is simple, sociable and accessible, and even small increases in activity can make a real difference to people’s health.”

Another GP practice to have achieved the accreditation is Palfrey Health Centre in Walsall.

Practice Manager Obaid Siddiq said: “The Active Practice Charter highlights how being active benefits everyone. Encouraging regular physical activity supports staff wellbeing and resilience, while helping patients improve their physical and mental health. Small changes can make a big difference to overall wellbeing.”

Encouraging more practices to apply

Alys Murphy, Health and Physical Activity Strategic Lead at Active Black Country is working with a number of GPs across the region to support their applications for the Active Practice Charter. She is encouraging GPs to consider applying.

“It's a great way for GP practices to demonstrate their commitment to the NHS prevention agenda and embed small, sustainable changes that encourage physical activity among both staff and patients.

"The UK Chief Medical Officers’ Physical Activity Guidelines highlight the strong evidence linking physical activity to improved physical and mental health. GP practices are trusted sources of health advice, so creating an environment that encourages and supports people to be more active can make a real difference to health behaviours and wellbeing.”

If you are a GP seeking to know more about the Active Practice Charter accreditation or would like to submit an application, please contact alys.murphy@activeblackcountry.co.uk or visit the Royal College of GP’s website here.

Pictured: Alys Murphy, our Health and Physical Activity Strategic Lead, with a member of the public and Walsall GP Dr Aziz Farhat at Palfrey Park.