Wellbeing goes far beyond the physical – Active Wellbeing Challenge pulls holistic health into focus

Matthew Davies, Deputy Director in the Cabinet Office is part of the Government People Group, and will be rallying his colleagues to once again join in on Active Wellbeing’s Around-the-World challenge which kicks off in February. 

Throughout February, people across the civil service and public sector will be encouraged to sign up, join or create a team online, and set their sights on increasing their physical activity, and boosting their overall wellbeing as we travel around the world together. 

Matthew, who has worked in the civil service for over 25 years, loved taking part in the challenge in 2025, and believes the benefits stretch further than purely physical. Matthew reflects on the holistic benefits of the CSSC Active Wellbeing Challenge for himself and his colleagues. 

“We’re so much better at talking about our mental health and wellbeing now. These days, when someone says ‘wellbeing’ we don’t automatically assume it’s about being fit, we recognise that it is an all encompassing word and includes your mental and emotional health. 

“The challenge has a community feel to it. If you take part you know you’re a part of a team, but more widely the online app highlights that this team stretches across the whole of the civil service and public sector throughout the country. There’s an element of team spirit that comes with that, maybe its friendly competitiveness, or maybe it’s both, but it’s motivating! 

“There’s often a misconception that activity based challenges are about being the fastest or strongest, but Active Wellbeing is truly about just increasing what you do, in whatever way you do it. You don‘t have to be doing something magnificent, just as long as you’re doing something. 

“I think that’s what’s so good about the Active Wellbeing Challenge – it helps you be more mindful. That’s something which I really took away from the challenges last time. I’m more aware of what I have or haven’t done. For me, it pulled it into focus and it’s now become second nature to ensure I’m incorporating movement into my day. 

“I’m really grateful for CSSC putting on the Active Wellbeing Challenge as it puts mental and physical health in focus the way it should be. I’ve seen first hand how much of a difference getting involved and having fun together can make to someone’s day, month, and year; so I hope there’s lots of pick up and encourage everyone to have these conversations across the civil service and public sectors.” 

In 2025, 94% of participants said Active Wellbeing motivated them to be more active and value their wellbeing more. Sign up now and create or join a team before 29 January.  
See ‘Nudge to Budge’ for more details.