Move 2 Independence (M2I) is a programme by Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) designed to support individuals recently discharged from the hospital as they transition back to independent living. Funded by Somerset Council and NHS Somerset, it primarily serves people who need help with strength, balance, and confidence in movement - often essential for preventing falls and regaining daily functionality.

M2I includes one-to-one sessions where Activators guide participants through exercises and identify goals around managing their health and well-being both at home, and in their local community. The approach is not just physical; M2I also addresses mental well-being by fostering self-reliance and social engagement, transforming a participant's quality of life.

Participants in the programme report significant gains in physical strength, balance and confidence levels as well as improved understanding of their importance for longevity. Through M2I, people who might have been isolated or hesitant to leave their homes regain the ability to complete their activities of daily living, connect with others, and maintain a sense of personal control. For many, this is a crucial step in a longer journey of recovery and resilience, underscoring the programme's focus on long-term independence.

Over the last 7 months (March 1 - September 30, 2024), M2I has shown notable success in supporting participants' physical and mental well-being post discharge. By responding quickly to need, collaboratively with the system and using personalised conversations throughout, M2I fills a gap in reconditioning support; reducing the range and duration of post discharge referrals for therapy, care and other community services. Take a look at our new infographic here with key achievements.

Key achievements include:

• Referrals and Completions: 125 referrals were accepted, with 57 participants completing the programme.

• Positive Impact: 100% of participants recognised the importance of strength and balance for falls prevention, and only one fall was reported since joining M2I.

• Service Satisfaction: 93% rated the program as good or excellent, with 100% willing to recommend it.

• Health Improvements:

- A 46% increase in physical activity (30–90 minutes weekly).

- 69% increase in those regularly performing strength and balance exercises.

- 46% increase in overall well-being scores, including a 51% boost in feelings of usefulness.

Participants like Colin, Dawn, Christine and Jane shared personal stories, highlighting how M2I has empowered them:

Colin: ''When the sun comes up, I'm getting up. I'm doing everything for myself, independently now. I'm dressing, cooking, eating, showering. When Bluebird come (care provider) I tell them I don't need their help anymore. I feel much more confident which really pleases me.''

Dawn: ''M2I has really helped me get stronger. I am now able to do two walks a day with friends and family. Upon discharge from the Hospital, I had exercises from the physios to do which I had been doing even when my Activator started his first session. But with M2I it was the added extra I needed to get the strength back up to go outside again.''

Christine: ''When I came out of the hospital, I only had an alarm fitted for safety reasons in case I fell, no other level of care was provided until M2I was introduced. When the Activator came, I was under-confident and didn't like to walk more than 5m even in my own home. I now have my confidence back I can go back up and down the stairs. And most importantly I can leave these 4 walls. I have a bit of me back.''

Jane: "I've had absolutely nothing else to help me. I was actually waiting for physio for months and months before I even had my fall. I've been waiting for so long to find something like this. This is exactly what I need. It's been invaluable."

View our infographic here or on our M2I Health Professionals page down below.