One in four of us say we would be more active if it was raised by a GP or nurse. The Active Practice Charter inspires and celebrates GP practices that are supporting patients and staff to get moving.

The Active Practice Charter, run by The Royal College of GPs, helps GP practices show the simple changes that can be made to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of patients and staff.

GPs are often pressed for time. They may not have explored how to talk to about physical activity as part of their early training. The Active Practice toolkit will help busy doctors discuss the benefits of getting active and recommend local opportunities to patients.

GPs and their teams are trusted sources of information, so they have a real opportunity to start conversations that will help being active become the new normal in their community – for prevention as well as treatment.

Patient and staff benefits

Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke by as much as 35% and decrease the risk of early death by as much as 30%.

In some cases, physical activity can drastically improve conditions such as diabetes and heart disease – even dementia.

Small changes to GP practices – using standing desks, encouraging active transport for staff, and partnering with local physical activity providers – shows patients that being more active is good for everyone’s physical and mental health.

How to get involved

GPs can visit the Active Practice Charter site to find out more and work towards becoming an accredited practice. The Physical Activity and Lifestyle Toolkit helps healthcare professionals talk to patients about physical activity as part of the wider conversations they're having.