BetterPoints Oxfordshire allows everyone who lives, works or studies in Oxfordshire to earn rewards and win prizes for walking, running, cycling and using public transport. One such prize is the Oxfordshire Star. Amy was chosen as our latest winner and received 20,000 BetterPoints (£20) for sharing her story. For your chance to win, download the app via the App Store or Google Play or by scanning the QR code at the bottom of the page.
Since joining BetterPoints Oxfordshire, Tobacco Dependency Advisor Amy has swapped out short car journeys for walking and bus travel. By doing so, she’s now exceeding the NHS recommended levels of physical activity per week. Here is what she had to say:
How did you find out about the app and why did you choose to get involved?
“It was through the health promotion team at Oxford University Hospitals Trust, where I work in a tobacco dependency role.
Being able to earn money-off vouchers was the reason I downloaded it, but I’ve found that the app motivates me in a lot of different ways.
What were your travel habits like before you joined the app?
“I was a relatively active person, but I would drive to a number of the local hospital sites, like Churchill Hospital and the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre.
I walk to these sites now, which takes about 25 minutes. I’ve realised it takes me the same amount of time to get there by car and find a parking space, so walking is much the better option.
I have been positively impacted by the app. It has made me a lot more conscious of my travel choices. I now ask myself, ‘does it need to be a car journey, can I walk there instead or get the bus?’.
How have your travel habits changed since using the app?
“If I have to go somewhere, I will usually walk or get the bus. Going into Oxford for example, I will walk in which takes about 45 minutes and then get the bus home.
I will use the car once or twice a week at most, but only for longer distance trips such as going to Horton General Hospital in Banbury, which is 45 minutes by car.
I’ve started cycling lessons to build my confidence on the roads and to be able to cycle the longer journeys. Hopefully I will be travelling by bike soon too.
How has the app helped you? What features do you enjoy?
“The points are still a factor, but they are secondary to the active minutes progress charts. This is the main motivator for me.
After the first week of using the app I was able to see my starting level of activity. It was encouraging to see the amount of walking I was doing already and what I could build upon.
At the beginning I was aiming to reach 150 active minutes per week, but now I set myself the goal of 300 minutes per week. It encourages you to do that little bit more each time.
I also really like how the app records your journey automatically without having to start or stop the tracker, plus it will show you a map of where you’ve been.
What benefits have you noticed as a result?
“Getting outside and walking definitely improves my mood. After a busy day at work, going for a walk in the evening makes me feel like I'm finishing the day well.
I’ve enjoyed getting the bus too. It allows me to read my book, and I don’t have to face the nightmare of driving in Oxford. I arrive feeling far less stressed.”
To join BetterPoints Oxfordshire, simply download the free BetterPoints app via the buttons or QR code below and register an account with your Oxfordshire postcode. If you live outside but commute in to the county please enter the referral code: bpoxooa.
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