Somerset Moves Lifestyle Medicine Conference Inspires Health and Wellbeing Professionals Across Somerset
Yesterday (13th May 2026) we were pleased to welcome more than 100 health and wellbeing professionals from across Somerset, who came together for the inaugural Somerset Moves Lifestyle Medicine Conference. - The first event of its kind for SASP.
The conference explored how lifestyle medicine, movement and behaviour change can transform health outcomes and strengthen prevention across local communities. The event created a vibrant space for professionals to share ideas, learn from sector leaders and discuss practical ways to embed lifestyle support into everyday healthcare practice.
The day opened with a welcome from Jane Knowles, CEO at SASP, alongside Dr Matthew Dolman, Complex Care GP in North Sedgemoor Primary Care Network and Clinical Lead at NHSE South West Digital Neighbourhood Programme. Together, they welcomed attendees and highlighted the growing importance of prevention-focused healthcare. The room was filled with passion, enthusiasm and a shared commitment to improving health and wellbeing outcomes for local communities.
Attendees heard from two inspiring keynote speakers who brought expertise, insight and practical experience to the conference:
Hussain Al-Zubaidi delivered the keynote “From Vision to Action”. A GP with an extended role in lifestyle and obesity medicine, qualified personal trainer, health coach and Team GB long-distance triathlete, Dr Al-Zubaidi shared how movement, nutrition and community underpin both his clinical practice and personal life. His session focused on turning ambition into practical action to support healthier lifestyles and sustainable change.
The second keynote was delivered by Dr William Bird MBE, Family GP & CEO, Intelligent Health UK. His session focused on the important role our sector and communities play in creating environments that foster safety, connection and a sense of belonging when supporting people to improve their health. Dr Bird also highlighted the significant physical and mental health benefits of spending time outdoors and engaging with the natural environment. Having spent more than 30 years championing physical activity, sustainability and the natural environment as tools for improving health, his presentation reinforced the importance of linking healthcare advice with community infrastructure to support long-term behaviour change and healthier communities.
The conference also featured four interactive workshops, offering attendees practical tools and strategies to support patients and communities, these included;
Throughout the day, professionals engaged in thought-provoking discussions around the real challenges and opportunities involved in supporting lifestyle and behaviour change within healthcare settings. Delegates also heard examples of how services across Somerset are successfully embedding lifestyle support into routine practice, helping to improve patient outcomes while reducing health inequalities.
We concluded the conference with reflections from Tom MacConnell , Somerset ICB Consultant Cardiologist & ACD for Somerset Integrated Care Board and Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership CEO, Jane Knowles highlighting the importance of collaborative working across Somerset.
The Somerset Moves Lifestyle Medicine Conference marked an important milestone in bringing together healthcare, public health and community professionals to champion prevention, movement and healthier lifestyles across Somerset.