A new app which aims to improve health has been launched in Wolverhampton.
The government-backed trial is the first of its kind in England.
The app will offer incentives for people who eat healthily and exercise more including vouchers for shops, gym discounts and cinema tickets. Trial participants will be given free fitness trackers which will be linked to the Better Health: Rewards app.
The app will generate personalised health goals for each participant. This might be an improved step count or eating more fruit and veg.
Participants will get points for each goal they complete over a 20-week period. The points can then be exchanged for rewards.
Supermarkets, including Sainsburys, ALDI, Morrisons, Tesco and Asda, and local gyms PureGym, Places Leisure, Complexions and WV Active are involved in the scheme.
Secretary of state for health and social care Steve Barclay said: "The launch of the new Better Health: Rewards app today in Wolverhampton will help us see how we can empower people to make healthy changes to their lifestyle.
"The pilot is an opportunity to explore how we can further harness technology to support people to improve their physical health, prevent illnesses before they develop and help to ease pressure on the NHS.
"I would encourage all adults in Wolverhampton to download the app today to improve their wellbeing and start earning exciting rewards."
Health minister Neil O’Brien said: "The government is investing £3 million to help people in Wolverhampton lead healthier, happier lives. The Better Health: Rewards app aims to put people in control of their own health.
"It’s about making it easier for people to eat better and increase physical activity. If you live in Wolverhampton, please don’t hesitate to sign up."
Adults in Wolverhampton can sign up by downloading the app. The City of Wolverhampton Council was appointed after an expression of interest. One-third of the city's population are classed as physically inactive.
Councillor Ian Brookfield, Leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council, said: "We are working hard to improve the overall health of everyone in Wolverhampton by providing innovative solutions which can help our residents get more active.
"We are already making significant progress in tackling physical inactivity, improving infrastructure and making environmental changes to enable people to be more active, and we are delighted to be working with the Department of Health and Social Care and HeadUp on this important pilot programme to see whether offering incentives can help people make positive changes to improve their health and wellbeing.
"This is an incredible opportunity for the people of Wolverhampton, so please sign up today."
Image by Daniel Reche from Pixabay
