FitLine

Description

FitLine, an Age & Opportunity initiative, is a volunteer telephone line designed to help older people who want to feel a bit healthier, but perhaps don’t have the motivation, confidence or information on where or how to take that first step. The service is completely free. Age & Opportunity encourage people to call 1800 303 545 and learn more. After you’ve made the first call, a FitLine mentor will arrange a time to ring you every two weeks until you happy with your progress. I have been with FitLine for a few years and it gives me a great lift to get a phone call every couple of weeks. They have good advice. I live on my own and I love having someone from FitLine ring me regularly, said Joe, a FitLine participant in Dublin. Some find it easy to be physically active but for others it’s not so simple. Perhaps you don’t know what activity to do or you lose motivation. This is a difficult time for people worldwide as Covid-19 has forced us to change the way we live, but Age & Opportunity are continuing to provide safe opportunities for people to be more active. FitLine gave me the push I needed to stop making excuses to get up and get active, said Anne, a FitLine participant in Cork. FitLine mentors are volunteer older people who understand the challenges of getting active. They’ll give you information, advice and gentle encouragement to get moving over the phone. To find out more free phone I800 303 545, email or visit https://ageandopportunity.ie/active/fitline/. With thanks for support and funding from Sport Ireland and Healthy Ireland’s Keep Well Campaign.

Aim of Initiative

People aged 50+ who are looking for information, advice and gentle encouragement to get moving.

Who is it aimed at

People aged 50+ who are looking for information, advice and gentle encouragement to get moving.

Steps critical to success

1. Signing up and training FitLine Volunteer Mentors.
2. Ongoing support for Mentors from Age & Opportunity.
3. Ensuring the public are aware of the service and getting them to sign up to take part.

Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Relatively quick turnaround to take the initiative national.
2. Reaching people and sharing information during Covid-19 restrictions particularly with those who aren’t online.
3. Encouraging participants to sign up for the initiative.

Outcomes / Benefits

1. We will provide a service for older people who aren’t online.
2. The initiative is safe and suitable to take part in during Covid-19 restrictions.
3. As we ease Covid-19 restrictions the initiative will continue to provide a safe opportunity for support to be move active.