Getting Moving at Pennine GP Alliance

At Pennine GP Alliance, a small idea is making a big difference to how staff move through their working day.

General Practice Physical Activity Champion Hannah Davies spotted a couple of simple opportunities to get colleagues moving more: while waiting for the kettle to boil, and during the lunch break. Her goal? To make movement a normal part of office life, something everyone can do together, without it feeling like “exercise.”

To kick things off, Hannah designed a poster for the kitchen – now proudly displayed above the kettle – showing three easy stretches anyone can do while waiting for their brew. It’s a small nudge, but one that’s had a noticeable ripple effect.

“I’ve enjoyed testing how a small environmental change like a poster can increase movement during the day,”

says Hannah.

“This lived experience will support me in my promotion of physical activity within general practice.”

Alongside the poster, a Monday lunchtime walk from the office has been launched, a relaxed, social way to stretch the legs, chat, and reset for the afternoon. These little initiatives have already started shifting habits. Staff are stretching, walking and moving more – prompted by the poster, the Monday walks, and Hannah’s gentle encouragement.

Eilidh Gunson, Cancer Care Coordinator, shared how these small reminders have changed her routine:

“As a result of the posters in the kitchen, I routinely keep moving while the kettle boils. I can’t often make the Monday walk, but knowing it’s happening keeps activity in mind. Hannah’s presence in the office serves as a reminder (or guilt trip?!) to be more active! The Friday updates have made me smile and made me think about what I can do over the weekend to be active.”

It’s a brilliant example of how simple, low-cost changes – a poster, a lunchtime walk, a friendly nudge – can help create a workplace culture where movement is normalised and wellbeing is part of the everyday.