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The Challenge

As a PR and Communications Consultant for COCO PCN in Surrey, and working with the Social Prescribing Team, Pippa, drawing on her experience as a complementary therapist, recognised the positive impact of physical activity in improving health, reducing anxiety, and increasing social connectedness, particularly among lonely, isolated individuals in the community. 

Many people were uncomfortable attending traditional gyms, feeling unfit and unable to afford memberships due to financial constraints. The team’s initial challenge was identifying suitable exercise options and venues that would foster both physical activity and social connection in a relaxed environment. 

Collaborating with the Social Prescribing Team, Pippa promoted the PCN and the local physical activity sessions tailored to this group, ensuring accessibility for both exercise and social interaction. 


(Active Surrey, 2023)


The Innovation

Since 2022, Pippa has worked closely with the local community partner Active Surrey to tackle inactivity and reduce health inequalities by promoting health, wellbeing, and social connectedness through physical activities. 

Previously instrumental in developing a local health hub, Pippa used her experience and local networks to enhance the available resources. Through collaboration with various organisations, a supportive environment has been created where patients can participate in activities like trying out bowls and becoming involved with a large outdoor hub and nature-based wellbeing and allotment work. 

Central to the initiative is encouraging people to rethink movement, recognising small activities as steps towards improved physical and social health. Pippa introduced regular wellbeing walks, attended by 15 people, often used for rehabilitation post-surgery. Friendships and bonds have formed, improving participants’ mood and emotional wellbeing. 

Pippa also progressed an existing singing group incorporating physical activities, like stretching, to highlight the link between movement and vocal performance. To ensure the long-term sustainability of the services, Pippa is working with the local council and facilitating sponsorship opportunities with local grant-giving groups and businesses. Her overarching goal is to elevate the role of movement within the community. 



The Impact

  • Increase in levels of patient activation 
  • Increase in patients access to regular planned physical activities 
  • Increased levels of social connectedness and reduction in isolation and loneliness 

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