In order to provide some evidence in response to this question, we used an uncontrolled pre-post intervention design to examine differences in mental well-being and physical activity levels before and after the introduction of a physical activity intervention. Data were collected by three navigators in a total of seven GP practices in two stages: the first stage (pre) at the first meeting with navigators following referral from the patient's GP practice; the second stage (post) at the conclusion of 12 weeks of physical activity. At this point, the patient was considered as having completed the NCP pilot. Navigators assisted patients in the completion of each questionnaire.

Collected data were held by the Forum for Health and Well-being (FHWB), the organisation managing the NCP pilot and employing the navigators. As part of the analysis, patients who had filled in questionnaires both at pre and post stages were identified and pseudo-anonymised.