Move more in 2024 and reap the rewards with BetterPoints Press Release from Buckinghamshire Council

Press Release from Buckinghamshire Council

08 January 2024

Move more in 2024 and reap the rewards with BetterPoints

Buckinghamshire residents are being encouraged to ‘Move More in 24’ and take up the challenge of becoming more active this new year, to help improve their physical and mental health and wellbeing.

‘Move More in 24’ is the name of a new six-week initiative being run by Buckinghamshire Council as part of its BetterPoints Bucks programme. Launching today (Monday 8 January) and running through to Sunday 18 February, the aim is to encourage people to incorporate more physical activity into their lives which will have the benefit of improving fitness, health and wellbeing. By starting the new year with a short-term goal of being more active, the hope is that people will continue to build on the habits they have started and keep up the good work throughout the rest of the year and beyond.

Angela Macpherson, Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing explained: “At this time of year there is often pressure to set yourself what can be unrealistic goals with regards to health and fitness. Our programme does not do that, we are simply encouraging people to incorporate more physical activity into their everyday lives. And through using the free BetterPoints app, you can be rewarded for doing so, adding motivation to continue the changes long term.”

Angela continued: “Just a few small changes can make a huge difference. It doesn’t have to involve signing up for fitness classes or gym memberships, although you can do this if you want. It can be as simple as going for a short walk, playing a game of catch with your children or grandchildren or breaking up long periods of sitting to get your body moving. Just doing something to increase your heart rate for a short time can have so many benefits.”

BetterPoints is a free mobile app that works as a motivational tool to encourage people to take part in more physical activity by offering rewards. To date more than 3,000 Bucks residents have downloaded the app which sees them earning BetterPoints for being active, accessing local leisure facilities and even taking the bus for more sustainable ways to travel in the county. The points earned can be converted into vouchers to spend in local and national high street shops or given to local charities as a monetary donation.

Angela added: “BetterPoints is so simple to use. You can easily keep track of the progress you’ve made, helping to keep you motivated and with the added incentive of rewards for all your good work, there really is no reason not to give it a try.”

According to current data, one adult in every five in Buckinghamshire is currently inactive, spending less than 30 minutes a week doing any form of activity. A lack of physical activity can lead to serious health concerns such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. It can also have a long-lasting impact on mental and physical wellbeing.

If you want to find out more and ‘Move More in 24’, download the BetterPoints app today.