Physical Activity in Social Care: How to Support Health and Wellbeing

Physical activity is one of the most effective yet underused tools for improving health and wellbeing in social care. For people with severe or enduring mental health problems, regular movement can ease symptoms, improve energy levels, reduce stress, and support recovery. Even low-intensity activities, when delivered in a supportive and co-produced environment, can have a meaningful impact. This article brings together key findings from two research projects to help social care workers apply evidence-based practice in day-to-day support.

Why Physical Activity Matters in Mental Health Care

People living with serious mental illness face a stark mortality gap, living on average 11 to 30 years less than the general population (McCartan et al., 2019). Much of this disparity stems from preventable physical health issues – sedentary lifestyles, medication side effects, long-term conditions and barriers to accessing health-promoting activities. For many, the path to better health begins with small, supported steps toward movement.

Research demonstrates that structured, accessible physical activity programmes can offer multiple benefits. Participants in the studies reported better sleep, improved mood, more energy, and an increased sense of motivation. These benefits were not limited to vigorous exercise; gentle activities such as walking, stretching, or chair-based movement were enough to create noticeable improvements. Crucially, these programmes helped individuals develop daily routines – adding structure, purpose and predictability to days that may otherwise feel unanchored.

The Social Side of Activity: Belonging, Motivation and Confidence

One of the strongest findings across both studies was the importance of the social element of physical activity. Group sessions helped reduce isolation, created a sense of belonging, and gave participants a reason to return each week. Sharing goals, celebrating progress and simply being in a welcoming environment helped people overcome anxiety and low confidence.

Many individuals with serious mental illness or other mental health challenges find typical gym environments intimidating. Social anxiety, negative self-image, and fear of judgement can prevent engagement long before exercise begins. When activities were offered in smaller, supportive groups – led by staff trained in the design of co-produced physical activity programmes – participants felt safer and more understood. This sense of psychological safety enabled people to try new activities, challenge themselves at their own pace and begin building confidence that carried over into other parts of life, including healthier eating, better sleep routines and improved self-care.

The Role of Social Care Workers

Social care workers are central to helping people engage with physical activity, particularly when motivation is low or anxiety is high. There are several practical steps social care workers can take to help:

1. Make activity accessible and achievable
   Short walks, gentle stretching, outdoor meet-ups or quiet-space sessions are often enough to create real benefits. Tailoring activities to the person’s energy levels and mental health presentation increases confidence and reduces drop-out.

2. Create a supportive, non-judgemental environment
   Workers trained in mental health approaches- such as the Knowledge and Understanding Framework – were key to the success of exercise programmes. Their understanding of fluctuating symptoms, fatigue and anxiety helped participants feel understood and safe.

3. Remove practical barriers
   Workers can advocate for quicker GP approvals, help manage medication-related fatigue, and plan around physical health limitations. Small adjustments, such as changing session times or choosing calmer spaces, make activities more accessible.

4. Use co-production to encourage ownership
   Involving people with lived experience in designing and refining activities increased relevance and engagement. Social care workers can embed this by regularly asking clients what motivates them, what feels comfortable, and what needs to change.

5. Offer consistent encouragement
   Regular, compassionate support helps people maintain momentum. A reliable presence often influences participation more than the activity itself.

Putting it All Together

Physical activity can play a transformative role in improving the physical and mental health of people with severe mental illness. When programmes are co-produced, accessible and supported by skilled social care workers, they can reduce isolation, build confidence and promote long-term wellbeing. By removing barriers and offering steady encouragement, social care workers can help make physical activity a meaningful and sustainable part of everyday life.

References:

• McCartan, C. et al., (2019). Empowering people through physical activity. Belfast, London: Mental Health Foundation, Belfast: Praxis Care, Belfast: Queen’s University of Belfast.

• Yap, J, McCartan, C., et al. (2020) An exercise intervention for people with serious mental illness: findings from a qualitative data analysis using participatory theme elicitation, Health Expectations, Volume 23:6, pp 1579 1593, https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.13141.