SHP has teamed up with Sport England to launch a ground-breaking initiative to tackle physical inactivity in the over 55s.

Working with Londoners who are over 55 and homeless or at risk of homelessness, our new programme – funded by the National Lottery – will support people to tap into the transformative power of sport and physical activity, in order to prolong their lives, improve mental health and reduce isolation.

This is the first programme of its kind in the UK which aims to get homeless people - a group frequently overlooked by public health initiatives - more active and involved in physical activity.

Working with people in our hostels and in the community, the programme aims to positively change people’s behaviour and attitudes.

Vanessa Hemmings, SHP’s Assistant Director of Services and Opportunities, said: “Through this project we will demonstrate that marginalised and excluded people can engage with and benefit from sport and physical activity, with real and lasting impact on their mental and physical wellbeing. We’ll put control in the hands of individuals, supporting them to create fitness and wellbeing plans that are tailored to their personal circumstances, needs and aspirations.”

Sport England has put tackling inactivity at the heart of its strategy Towards An Active Nation, and launched the Active Ageing fund to tackle inactivity in the over 55s.

Mike Diaper, Executive Director at Sport England, said: “Being active is one of the most important things people can do to maintain health and wellbeing as they age. We’re delighted to be supporting SHP with National Lottery funding to help get older adults to lead happier and heathier lives. We’ll be sharing learnings so successful approaches can be scaled-up or replicated across the country.”

Find out more about Active Nation.