Recently we heard from Veena (in the main photo) from Hounslow who has quit smoking and has a new active lifestyle motivated by the BetterPoints app.
Here is what Veena said:
"Before I discovered the BetterPoints app, I was just going through my day not being actively aware of moving more. I just wanted to get things done the quickest and easiest way. Driving to shops close by, sitting down most of the time at home watching TV, and I wasn’t exercising at all.
Since using the app, I have become very aware of my movements. I challenge myself all the time to get active and gain more points. I even used a Lime Bike for the first time and cycled for an hour on it. I’ve started walking everywhere, and I’m constantly referring to the app to see my progress.
Doing the school run I’m more aware of taking longer routes home. I have weights in my garden and do some weight training and sit ups. Also, I am cooking homemade meals using fresh foods and drinking more water.
I attended Healthy Hounslow Stop Smoking Support sessions and have earned BetterPoints at each stage of quitting. I have stopped smoking for 51 days now, and this has encouraged me to become healthier overall.
The benefits have been amazing. Physically I feel better, and I’m starting to lose weight. Mentally, I’m being more active with my kids, which makes them happy, and we get to spend precious time together. My head feels calm and content. Socially, I’m getting out more and attending workshops and courses. Walking everywhere is saving me money on parking too.
I feel like I'm putting myself first and looking after my body more than I ever have."
If you want to quit smoking, or know someone that does visit the Healthy Hounslow website here and sign up. Participants can earn BetterPoints when they quit and remain smoke-free.
As an IT professional working mostly from home, his days used to be completely desk-bound. He often spent hours in front of the computer without taking proper breaks, and his daily step count was very low. Physical activity simply wasn’t part of his lifestyle, walking or running felt unnecessary and unappealing.
Rajesh tells us how that started to change when he came across the BetterPoints app:
"The creative daily ideas and motivational medal posts caught my attention and sparked something in me. What began as simple curiosity soon turned into participation in small challenges. The app’s user-friendly design, instant updates, and rewarding system of points, tickets, and medals made it both engaging and satisfying. Weekly and monthly challenges kept me motivated, pushing me to gradually increase my activity levels.
At first, I aimed just to meet the recommended 150 minutes of activity per week. But as I progressed, walking and running became part of my daily routine.
The changes have been remarkable. My blood pressure has dropped significantly, my stress levels are under control, and the muscle pain I used to feel from long sitting hours has almost disappeared. I feel healthier, more energetic, and mentally refreshed, all thanks to the app that turned my sedentary habits into an active, rewarding lifestyle."
Surjeet is a great example of how small, positive steps can lead to meaningful, lasting change. Wanting to improve her health and feel more motivated, she joined the Healthy Hounslow Beezee Adults programme, a free healthy lifestyle service designed to support residents in losing weight in a sustainable way, either in person or online.
Through her journey, Surjeet not only focused on her physical health but also discovered a wider network of support available in her community.
“I've learned about all the other Health initiatives that are going on in the borough, including the weight management program. I enjoyed the cycling focused month. I haven't used my bike for a while. I really enjoyed cycling again and getting points whilst I was at it. I've also enjoyed spending the vouchers that I earned through this app.
Re-engaging with cycling was a turning point for Surjeet. What started as a simple activity during a themed month became something she genuinely enjoyed, again helping her move more, feel better, and stay motivated. Alongside this, she benefited from the BetterPoints rewards, redeeming her points for a £20 Amazon gift card, which added an extra layer of encouragement and recognition for her efforts.
Her commitment is already paying off. Surjeet shares:
I’m pleased to say I’ve lost one stone so far and I'm aiming to lose another stone and a half. I’ve also decided to sign up for Healthy Hounslow’s weight management programme over the Easter holidays to help keep me motivated. Many thanks, I’m really delighted to have been chosen as a Move More Hero!”
Surjeet’s story highlights how accessible local programmes, combined with personal motivation and the right incentives, can empower people to take control of their health and make lasting changes.
If you don't have the BetterPoints app scan the QR or use the buttons below to download the app to your phone.
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