Active Wellbeing Case Studies

The very first Active Wellbeing showcased the many benefits of getting active. For not only getting healthier by getting active and creating new habits, but to improving other aspects of wellbeing, like mood and inner calm. Last year’s campaign encouraged participants to make a pledge to increase their movement and do something new. Now in 2023, we’re bringing teams together to compete in a round-the-world, walking challenge. 

Sport and physical activity can be hugely rewarding. As well as the outer and inner benefits like increased strength, weight loss, joint improvement and mental health enhancements, by sharing engagement in activities with friends, families and colleagues, it creates an unparalleled sense of wellbeing and contentment. By introducing fun, engaging challenges and friendly rivalries and competitions, we hope to unite teams and departments and the entire civil service and public sector.  

But don’t take our word for it. Hear from some of our past Active Wellbeing participants on how they took their sedentary work life for granted and how much CSSC’s Active Wellbeing helped motivate and inspire them to be more active, set goals and make permanent changes to their everyday lives. 

Mark from the Environment Agency – Canoeing and litter picking

“You could not have asked for a better day to get out and get active. Not only did we get a work out but we helped clean the River Stour too, by collecting rubbish as we paddled down. It was a beautiful day, a great team activity and everyone had a great time – even those with questionable steering skills! We covered a five mile stretch of the river and all shared in a sense of achievement, muscle ache and comradery as we completed a wonderful experience with memories made all thanks to CSSC.” 

Maria from HM Courts & Tribunal Service – Walking challenge

“We had a fabulous week here at Canterbury Court and could not believe how many of the court joined in and got involved with our daily activity. We decided on the ’20-30 min lunch time walk’ as to not disrupt too much of the working day. This is where the funding came in handy, we ordered 25 wrist stop counters. 

The atmosphere among us all was overwhelming, smiles, cheers, fitness and a continuous pledge to continue it this week. I think it opened the eyes of many that participated. That 30 mins out of the office made the afternoons mentally better and less stressful. A big thank you CSSC for everything, the workplace seems a little calmer and the smiles are starting to come back…. See you next year!” 

Barry from HM Revenue & customs – Pledged to exercise before work

“After working from home for such a long time, I was looking for something I could do before work to get me going. I pledged to do a before work exercise or mindfulness activity every workday with Active Wellbeing 2022. It got my ball rolling, and in doing so I discovered the classes available on my CSSC account to keep me motivated. I plan to keep up these activities, as I am feeling physically and mentally better”. 

Charlotte – Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science – Pledged to commit to a workout routine

“Since the start of the pandemic I, like a lot of people, had found it challenging to keep an active lifestyle. Particularly with working from home, I found that I was missing things as simple as walking around the office to speak to people, or going on walks at lunchtime. I was becoming more aware of the toll this was having on both my physical and mental health and knew I needed to make a change, and that’s when the Active Wellbeing campaign came along. 

I signed up and made a simple pledge to commit to a workout routine and scheduled it in my calendar so I couldn’t make excuses. I’ve stuck to it every day so far and can already see the difference it has made to me both physically and mentally. I’m excited to continue this journey, especially with my new Garmin watch, and would encourage everyone to add just a little more activity into their days.” 

Melanie – Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport – Pledged to start running again

“As a member of the Civil Service, I’ve been participating in the Active Wellbeing Challenge for a number of years, and I find it a really good opportunity to join forces with my work team and encourage each other. This year my pledge was to start running again, so I pledged to follow an exercise programme and started my C25K again, motivated by Sarah Millican. I’m pleased to say that I’ve continued with my pledge and looking forward to completing the plan and being able to run 5K without keeling over.”