Go for Life FitLine

What is FitLine (1800 303 545)?

FitLine is like a smokers quitline except it gives you the information and encouragement you need to get more physically active.  You can find out about clubs, groups and facilities in your area. You can get help to work out an activity routine that suits your lifestyle. Or if you just want to chat, we have lots of ideas about how you could do simple things to get some healthy activity into your routine.

How does FitLine work?

After you’ve made your first call to us to register, our mentors will arrange a time to ring you every few weeks.   They’re volunteer older adults themselves who’ve been trained to motivate and encourage you to be active.  They give praise when things are going well, and encouragement to keep going when motivation is low.  They know that developing healthy habits takes time.  Every so often we run a workshop where FitLine participants and mentors can meet to discuss physical activity and getting more activity into our lives. 
 

Where did FitLine come from?

Go for Life FitLine is modelled on ‘Active Choices’ a telephone support project developed by Stanford University in the United States.  Active Choices is based on twenty years of research evidence about telephone based physical activity support.  FitLine is also modelled on elements of the National Smokers’ Quitline and the Senior Helpline.   

In 2009, we tested FitLine for three months in Drogheda, Co. Louth.   We trained five mentors and over 20 people signed up to take part.  We found that FitLine increased the amount of physical activity people got and increased their knowledge about getting more active.  The mentors too, got great satisfaction out of the experience. 

“It was great to be able to encourage a person to do some physical activity, to listen to what they had to say… to keep in touch with them then.”

Even the mentors said that getting involved encouraged them to keep active, as they took their inspiration from the change in the people they were mentoring. 

You can download a summary of the FitLine project or the whole report below. 

Testimonials

FitLine has already been a great help to lots of people who wanted to feel a bit healthier but just didn’t have the time or know-how to go about it.  It’s running in Louth, Dublin, Meath and Wicklow and here’s what some participants have had to say about it. 

“The mentors are so supportive and encouraging” Agnes – Ardee, Co. Louth

“I find FitLine great for motivating me when I start to slack off from exercising. It gives me a shot in the arm to get going again” Charlie - Dublin

“Getting regular calls from FitLine picked me up when I was at a low ebb. I’ve lost weight and am back playing pitch and putt for the first time in years” Ann – Drogheda, Co. Louth

Is it expensive?

No.  This is a free service for people over 50. 

How do I get involved?

Find out more about how Go for Life FitLine can work for you by calling 1800 303 545.