Fit For The Future

Scott Tandy, our Digital Inclusion Officer introduces a digital physical activity platform that hopes to revolutionise health and wellbeing in the housing sector.

At Newydd Housing Association, we are proud to collaborate with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David to bring you GetFit.Wales, an innovative digital platform dedicated to transforming health and wellbeing across Wales since its inception in January 2019.

This ground breaking initiative has been recognised for its excellence in health and wellbeing, making meaningful improvements in the lives of our tenants and staff through engaging, tech-forward solutions. It was also shortlisted in this year’s Welsh Housing Awards.

COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS

One of the key strengths of GetFit.Wales lies in its partnerships with organisations such as Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and the Welsh Institute of Digital Information. These collaborations ensure the project is rooted in evidence based practices, enabling it to deliver real, measurable benefits to diverse communities across South Wales.

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY

At the heart of GetFit.Wales is our commitment to using gamification and technology to inspire physical activity. The platform integrates seamlessly with popular fitness trackers and smartphones, offering accessibility and engagement to its 576 registered users.

Participants can take on virtual quests, from ‘Walking the length of Pen-y-Fan’ to ‘Keeping up with a police officer’, with challenges designed for every fitness level. Gamified elements, such as earning points and ‘claiming land’ on an adventure board, have proven to be powerful motivators for sustained engagement, making fitness both fun and rewarding.IMPACTFUL OUTCOMES

The results speak for themselves. Participants have collectively logged over 247,468,454 steps, equivalent to circling the Earth 4.417 times. This effort has delivered life-changing results, from weight loss and increased mobility to improved mental health.

Back in December 2024, I caught up with two users, Ben and Samantha (pictured) whose story perfectly exemplifies this transformation. As newcomers to the Rhydyfelin area, both Ben and Samantha found GetFit.Wales to be the perfect excuse to explore their new community, making walking part of their routine every evening after dinner. As a result, Samantha was incredibly proud to share that since starting, she has lost 6 stone through her consistent commitment to daily walks.

Here’s what some of our other users have said:

• ‘I have lost 3 stone since starting the project. I haven’t taken the Fitbit off. I love seeing how many steps I have done.’
• ‘Life got in the way of my health before the pandemic, and I found myself in a place I physically and mentally didn’t want to be. The project is helping me push myself to get back to where I want to be, and I feel a lot better for it.’

INCLUSIVITY AND ACCESSIBILITY

Inclusivity is a cornerstone of GetFit.Wales. The platform features challenges for all abilities, ranging from easy to hard, ensuring meaningful engagement for everyone. For participants without access to technology, we provide step trackers on loan, removing barriers to entry.

Additionally, the project has achieved remarkable success in supporting individuals with physical disabilities and mental health challenges, exemplifying our commitment to ensuring everyone can benefit from improved health and wellbeing.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Beyond individual benefits, GetFit.Wales strengthens community bonds and supports local economies. By offering rewards in the form of vouchers for local businesses, the platform encourages healthy behaviours while reinvesting money into our communities.

MEASURABLE SOCIAL VALUE

Our commitment to excellence extends to rigorous social value measurement. Using the HACT Social Value Insight tool, we’ve calculated that for every £1 invested, the project generates £8.33 of social value, a testament to its efficiency and long-term impact.

ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE

• User engagement: 576 registered users on the platform.
• Physical activity: Participants collectively walked over 247,468,454 steps, circling the Earth 4.417 times.
• Weight management: Participants reported significant weight loss, with some losing up to 3-4 stone.
• Mental health improvement: Enhanced mental wellbeing, reduced anxiety, and increased confidence.
• Local economic support: 902 rewards redeemed at local businesses.
• Inclusivity: Successful engagement of individuals with diverse abilities and health conditions.
• Behavioural change: Sustained lifestyle changes, including daily walking routines and improved eating habits.
• Social value: £8.33 social value created for every £1 invested.
• Research impact: Ongoing study by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David on long-term health impacts.
• Health system integration: Referral routes established with Cardiff and Vale and Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Boards.
• Technology adoption: Increased use of fitness trackers and health apps among participants.

LOOKING AHEAD

"As digital inclusion officer, I’m excited about the future of GetFit.Wales. Together, we’re not just improving individual lives but transforming communities and creating a healthier, happier Wales."

Scott Tandy is digital inclusion officer at Newydd Housing Association, part of Cadarn Housing Group. For more information about GetFit.Wales, visit getfit.wales