Caregiver experiences of a peer mentor family physical activity programme in England: a qualitative interview study

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Symes, R, Jayes, L ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5240-6286 and Orton, E, 2025. Caregiver experiences of a peer mentor family physical activity programme in England: a qualitative interview study. Child: Care, Health and Development, 51 (2): e70053. ISSN 0305-1862

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/cch.70053

Abstract

Background

Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for developing chronic disease and contributes to health inequalities. Many children and adults do not achieve recommended physical activity targets. Active Families was a pilot programme that aimed to increase physical activity in families in the East Midlands, UK, using volunteer peer mentor support. This study aimed to explore caregiver experiences of family physical activity in participants of the programme Active Families.

Methods

Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 caregiver participants of Active Families. Interview transcripts were explored using thematic analysis.

Results

Most caregivers reported increased family physical activity and improvements in health and relationships. Attitudes towards family physical activity became more positive and role modelling encouraged families to be active. Volunteer peer mentors aided families using behaviour change techniques and provided psychological, emotional and practical support. Volunteers maintained programme delivery during the coronavirus pandemic, and exercise was used by some as a coping strategy. Some older children did not engage well with the programme, and maintaining physical activity was a challenge for others.

Conclusion

Caregivers reported improved experiences of family physical activity, with positive impacts on wellbeing and family life reported. The family–volunteer relationship appeared to be key. Behaviour change techniques and providing holistic support should therefore be considered when designing family physical activity programmes. Further research is needed to understand how best to engage older children in family physical activity and ensuring physical activity is maintained.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Child: Care, Health and Development
Creators:	Symes, R., Jayes, L. and Orton, E.
Publisher:	Wiley
Date:	March 2025
Volume:	51
Number:	2
ISSN:	0305-1862
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1111/cch.70053 DOI 2422177 Other
Rights:	© 2025 The Author(s). Child: Care, Health and Development published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Melissa Cornwell
Date Added:	09 May 2025 08:35
Last Modified:	09 May 2025 08:35
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/53564