NHS England is set to launch a rewards scheme that will give people prizes and vouchers if they walk at least 30 minutes a day. The initiative, expected to launch next year, aims to encourage physical activity and reduce the health risks associated with inactivity.
How the Scheme Works
Participants who walk 30 minutes daily will cover approximately 26 miles—a marathon distance—over four weeks, earning rewards as a result. Users will log their walks via smartphones and smartwatches, which track the time spent walking. The NHS will initially fund the creation and launch of the scheme, with hopes to attract sponsors and backers in the future.
Sir Brendan Foster's Role
Former Olympic medallist Sir Brendan Foster, founder of the Great North Run, has been enlisted by NHS England to create a campaign to get people walking. He stated: "I'm known for running, but the ambition here is far simpler. We just want people to walk. Simple."
Health Impact of Inactivity
According to NHS England, physical inactivity—defined as doing less than 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week—is linked to one in six deaths. Sport England reports that nearly a quarter of adults, around 12 million people, are physically inactive.
Target and Benefits
The scheme aims to sign up more than 100,000 people. Sir Brendan emphasized the role of "streak culture," where participants strive to maintain an unbroken series of daily exercises, to help people stick with the challenge. He added: "If someone walks 30 minutes five times a week, they could gain up to four extra years of healthy life." Full details of the voucher scheme will be released in the coming months.
