Addressing inactivity through place-based working

Inactivity is inequality and being inactive is not just about personal choice. It also comes from a lack of opportunities.

Often, people in low-income communities simply don’t have the access to the same facilities or opportunities as those in wealthier areas. And it’s exactly these places that would benefit the most from living more active lives. 

Understanding inactivity at a local level

Being able to be physically active in our communities and opening these up with streets, parks and spaces where everybody can live happier, healthier and more fulfilled lives are all key factors to being active.

But right now, we don’t all have the same opportunities to get involved in physical activity or sport close to home, work or education.

While some people can be inspired and empowered by their surroundings, others feel trapped or restricted by them and through our long-term strategy, Uniting the Movement, Sport England is determined to level the playing field.  

That’s why we have begun expanding our Place Partnerships to the communities who need the most support to live more active lives.

In its first phase and through a new set of resources for partners working in local settings, we’re updating and enhancing our support to 53 places across the country.  

Key to this is our partner network of Active Partnerships.

As our local system partners that span across every corner of the country, Active Partnerships are working closely with key stakeholders in places who need the most support to activate their communities.

Because by growing relationships with local community organisations that people know and trust, we can collectively improve our understanding around what people want to see for their community, build on the valuable things and people that are already there, and address the gaps in support or knowledge that stand in the way of people benefiting from active lives.  

In my role as executive director of Place at Sport England, over the last 18 months I have had the privilege of visiting many of our current Place Partnerships and have seen first-hand this approach in action.

I am completely convinced that, together, we can find the right support and solutions to get each community moving.  

Looking for answers together

Key to this is a new kind of leadership, with leaders that listen, collaborate, devolve decisions and lead with empathy and bravery.

When leaders across all parts of the system are willing and able to change, the key conditions and ways of working will become embedded and long-lasting, allowing for transformational change within communities to be achieved. 

Whether it's senior leaders, those who are working directly with people and communities or even those working behind the scenes in back-office functions, everyone has a role to play in creating (and sustaining) the conditions for enabling successful place-based systemic working.   

We still don’t have all the answers – but that’s the whole point.

Because when it comes to the needs and aspirations of a community, nobody will ever know better than the brilliant, dedicated people who have made their lives there. 

But by listening, collaborating and harnessing the enthusiasm and expertise at the heart of each community, we can build better places across England. 

Places people love to live, move in and thrive.