FitLine

Description

FitLine is a free telephone support service offered to those over 50 who need extra motivation to get physically active. The phones are manned by volunteer mentors, many of whom are older people themselves who have an interest in being physically active and want to encourage others to be active as well. These volunteers receive training in motivational interviewing and behavioural change techniques. Thanks to funding from Healthy Ireland through Sport Ireland the service has been expanded nation

Aim of Initiative

Who is it aimed at

FitLine is aimed at those over 50 who are maybe not members of a group and have not done any physical activity for some time.

Steps critical to success

1. FitLine is manned by volunteer mentors so it is important that there is a strong diverse group of volunteers
2. Coordination and cooperation between professionals and community to raise awareness of the service
3. Strong ongoing recruitment strategy to engage for participants

Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Managing volunteers remotely as they are lacking the social face to face interaction with each other
2. Recruiting participants as they are typically a very difficult cohort of people to reach
3. Building and promoting awareness of the service

Outcomes / Benefits

1. increased physical activity levels of participants
2. Being a source of direct referral from professionals e.g. physios or social prescribers
3. integration of participants into local communities and activities