Getting professional guidance and setting small, achievable goals will build your confidence – and keep you motivated over the next 12 months.
Here’s how…
ONE YOU KENT
Our One You service can help you:
- get moving more
- achieve a healthy weight
- make healthy food choices
- cut down on alcohol
- stop smoking
Visit www.kent.gov.uk/oneyou to get started, find group walks near you, nutritious recipes and more.
If you want to stop smoking, you can also go to ‘Smokefree Kent’ to find the best quit route (now including the Allen Carr ‘Easyway’ method) for you.
Look out for our latest animations like this one and information about being active, healthy eating and family health on KCC social media channels (including X-Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) and in GP practices, if you are visiting one.
EVERYDAY ACTIVE
Our Everyday Active Kent initiative offers a range of free, or low cost, and inclusive activities across the county.
Being active in a way that is right for you can:
- improve your physical health
- boost your mental health and wellbeing
- introduce you to new people and widen your circle of friends
Visit the Community Pages and the Activity Finder on the Everyday Active website for activities and sports opportunities where you live.
BE A CHAMPION
Are you active and like being involved in your community? You could help others get moving by becoming an Everyday Active Champion.
Julie Calder. Photo credit: Everyday Active
Former NHS Health Trainer Julie Calder is a champion for the Isle of Sheppey.
Julie said her volunteering “ranges from working with an individual, delivering a home exercise programme, to working with services like Parkinsons UK, or helping a local Instructor set up a Walking Netball group in Eastchurch.
“I love my champion role because it is so diverse and it allows me to support my local area, clubs, services and residents to help more people become more active, more often.”
Read more from Julie and other champions here: Meet our Everyday Active Champions.
Find out more about becoming an Everyday Active Champion and sign up by emailing Yasmin Hosken, Everyday Active Officer at Active Kent and Medway: yasmin.hosken@kent.gov.uk. Yasmin’s particularly keen to hear from potential volunteers who live in the Maidstone and Sevenoaks areas. If this sounds like you, please get in touch!
HANDY FREE APPS
- Better Health apps – from finding food swaps, and cutting down on drinking, to weight loss plans and support to stop smoking, there’s a free app or downloadable tool to help you reach your target at www.nhs.uk/better-health/#apps-and-tools
- Kent Connected App – helps you explore Kent and stay active, including with #ExploreKent walking and cycling routes. Download it at www.kentconnected.org/our-app
HEALTHIER FAMILIES
- Find easy ways for the whole family to eat well and move more with NHS’s Healthier Families
“even a daily 11-minute brisk walk is beneficial and can ease aches and pains, particularly in your lower back, hips and legs”
KCC Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Ellen Schwartz, said: “To stay fit and healthy, it's recommended adults get around 20 to 30 minutes a day of exercise. But even a daily 11-minute brisk walk is beneficial and can ease aches and pains, particularly in your lower back, hips and legs. It can also improve your balance, which can prevent you from falling and injuring yourself.
“Made a New Year’s Resolution to be healthier? The important thing is to find a way that works with your life. You’ll also be more likely to reach your goal with professional help – and One You Kent, Everyday Active and lots of other support are here for you.”
“activities such as fitness classes are great ways to meet others and get involved in your community”
Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Dan Watkins, said: “Small lifestyle changes, like switching a sugary snack for a piece of fruit, are good for body and mind; and activities such as fitness classes are great ways to meet others and get involved in your community.
“With so many ways to be a healthy and active you in 2025, don’t delay – it’s much easier than you think, so get going today!”
