A new article in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity makes the case for Social Workers promoting physical activity.
- The impacts of physical activity align to the goals of social work – improving physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing.
- Social Workers can challenge inequalities, discrimination and oppression that supress physical activity and advocate for provision of local services and changes to the built environment.
- Crossover benefits with Ecosocial Work can be found in encouraging behaviours such as active travel, which benefit both health and sustainability.
The paper goes on to outline the rest of 9 reasons why Social Workers are well placed to promote physical activity.
It concludes by outlining how support for Social Workers in this sphere is now growing – referencing the Alliance of Social Workers in Sport, the ‘Moving Social Care’ training support, and the ‘Right To Move’ priority in eastern England.
Source: Mobilising social workers to promote physical activity: a call to action