A new physical activity toolkit for patients and staff in secure services has been launched by Loughborough University academics.

The 'Move More' resources, developed by Dr Florence Kinnafick, Research Associate Dr Justine Anthony, and a team of researchers in the School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, aim to improve both the physical and mental wellbeing of patients.

The toolkit pulls together the findings from a research partnership with St Andrew's Healthcare – a charity that provides specialist mental healthcare for patients with some of the most challenging mental health needs in the UK – focused on how physical activity behaviour can impact severe mental illness.

Dr Kieran Breen, Head of Research and Innovation at St Andrew's Healthcare, commented: "We have long known that there is a key link between physical and mental health, and the 'Move More' programme including the physical activity toolkit, will play a key role in increasing awareness of the importance of the physical activity of people with mental health problems.

"We plan to trial the toolkit on a number of wards throughout St Andrew's Healthcare and then promote it in the wider context in the NHS provider collaboratives of which we are members."

Healthcare providers wanting more information or to view the Move More toolkit can email Dr Kinnafick at: F.E.Kinnafick@lboro.ac.uk