A fresh year often brings renewed attention to personal health, yet many resolutions fade within weeks. As 2026 approaches, residents across Norfolk and Waveney are being invited to try a more structured and realistic approach.
Norfolk County Council is promoting the 30-day health challenge as a way to support manageable lifestyle changes at the start of the year. The challenge is delivered through the free online Ready to Change tool and is designed to help people take practical steps to improve their health without pressure to commit to immediate long-term transformation.
The 30-day health challenge focuses on small, achievable actions carried out over a defined period. Health experts highlight that concentrating on a single month can feel more accessible than attempting sweeping changes all at once, making it easier to build confidence and maintain motivation.
Councillor Fran Whymark, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing at Norfolk County Council, said: “The new year provides a great opportunity to take stock of our health, and by signing up to the 30-day health challenge, we can all take real, proactive steps to improve our health and lifestyles.
“This approach clearly works. More than 3,500 people signed up to the 30-day health challenge last year, proving that plenty of residents are looking for realistic, supportive ways to improve their health. Coupled with expert support and guidance sent straight to your inbox, this health challenge is a fantastic way to maintain motivation.”
Academic expertise also underpins the design of the 30-day health challenge. Felix Naughton, Professor of Health Psychology and behaviour change expert at the University of East Anglia, emphasised the value of short-term goals in encouraging action.
He said: “Changing your lifestyle behaviours can feel daunting, but focusing on making changes for 30 days creates a more manageable goal that is achievable for most if not all of us. This challenge is perfect for those who would like to make changes but have been putting it off and for those who keep trying to change but don’t quite achieve their goals.
“Ready to Change uses behaviour change tools and science to help people make the changes they want to make and prepare them for any setbacks and difficulties they may experience along the way. And the benefits don’t take long to emerge – just a short time after making changes such as increasing activity, reducing alcohol, improving diet quality or stopping smoking, studies show that people report a boost to their wellbeing and mental health.”
Alongside digital guidance, Ready to Change directs users to a range of local services. These include free weight management support, smoking cessation programmes and fitness groups, helping participants link their personal goals to community-based resources.
Residents can learn more about the 30-day health challenge, complete health quizzes and sign up for tailored support by visiting www.readytochange.co.uk. The initiative aims to help people begin 2026 with practical tools, clear guidance and a realistic pathway to better health.
