Co-locating health and physical activity
Move Together is an innovative model where NHS services are co-located within community leisure facilities, alongside physical activity providers.
By offering NHS appointments in these leisure settings, both staff and patients benefit from an environment that encourages physical activity and supports overall wellbeing. These facilities are intentionally designed to be different from traditional clinical settings, helping to normalise physical activity and encourage lasting lifestyle changes.
Across three leisure centres in Sheffield, the NCSEM provides 37 clinical rooms that are utilised by over 20 clinical services from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield Children’s Hospital, and Sheffield Health and Social Care Trust. Services offered within these co-located spaces include musculoskeletal care, diabetes management, long COVID support, podiatry, psychotherapy, and rheumatology.
Benefits of delivering NHS clinics within leisure facilities
A supportive environment that promotes wellbeing and self-management.
Physical activity is encouraged throughout the facility, with posters, waiting room videos, and visible examples of people being active.
Opportunities to build relationships with exercise and fitness professionals.
Clinicians can integrate physical activity into appointments and utilise fitness facilities.
Direct links and referral routes into physical activity services.
Spacious clinic rooms, free parking, and modern facilities.
Group rooms available for collaborative sessions.
Free access for staff to engage in physical activity themselves.
Evaluation
Our co-location model has been in operation for over eight years, providing valuable practical insights supported by research from Sheffield Hallam University. Explore some of our the latest research outputs here.
Support
Research highlights the influence of clinical environments on how people perceive and manage their health conditions. We believe all clinical spaces should be intentionally designed to promote physical activity, well-being, and self-management to enhance health outcomes and reduce the strain on healthcare services.
We’re eager to share our experience from Sheffield to help other regions. Our support includes guidance on optimising space design, addressing logistical challenges, building partnerships, and sustaining the co-location model.
For more information, please contact Beth Brown, NCSEM Operations Manager.