Millions of people with long-term health conditions will be targeted via a £1.3m investment project launched by Sport England to encourage them to become more physically active.

Working in conjunction with the Richmond Group of Charities, Sport England will fund a series of pilot projects designed to improve the quality of life for people with chronic conditions such as coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, cancer and obesity.

Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Breast Cancer Now, British Lung Foundation, MS Society, Rethink Mental Illness and Diabetes UK will join the Stroke Association in conducting projects to identify the barriers to activity that people face as part of the program.

According to a press release from Sport England, around 30 per cent of the population in England have at least one long-term health issue. The public body stated that regular exercise can be a key tool for managing such conditions and in improving quality of life while living with them.

Sport England chief executive Jennie Price said: “We have chosen to work with the leading health charities to help people get active, because the charities already have the confidence of the people living with long-term health conditions.

“Together we want to help people answer those questions they might have about which activities are suitable, or how much exercise they should do for example. This has real potential to help people lead happy, healthier lives.”