In response to these stark figures, Active Kent & Medway launches 'Move Together', the new four-year countywide strategy for sport and physical activity.
The strategy sets out how we can all work together to support those who are already active, as well as tackling the inequalities that currently prevent some of us from enjoying the benefits that moving more in our everyday lives can bring to our physical and mental wellbeing.
As highlighted in the latest Active Lives reports, activity levels for both adults and children have bounced back to pre-pandemic levels. However, there is still more to be done in ensuring the barriers that certain groups face to being active are significantly reduced, if not removed, so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of sport and being active.
The Move Together strategy recognises that physical activity is crucial for overall wellbeing, and it aims to make it easier for everyone to lead a more active lifestyle. It seeks to create an environment that encourages and supports sport and physical activity, regardless of a person's age, background, or ability.
Though coordinated by Active Kent & Medway, the new four-year strategy has been developed following consultation and collaboration between community members and partners from across the county who have contributed their expertise and experience, including local authorities, public health organisations, sports clubs, leisure providers, schools, and community groups.
“Improving people’s lives through sport and physical activity can only be achieved through collaboration and partnership working.”
Mike Hill, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services said: "Improving people’s lives through sport and physical activity can only be achieved through collaboration and partnership working. This strategy sets out how we can all work together so everyone, whatever their age, gender, background, ability, or circumstance can enjoy the benefits of being active and playing sport."
Move Together is tailored to the needs of communities and residents of Kent and Medway and is built on evidence-based research that shows the positive impact of sport and physical activity on overall health and wellbeing.
The launch of Move Together marks a significant milestone in Active Kent & Medway’s efforts to promote physical activity and wellbeing across the county. It is a call to action for everyone across Kent and Medway to work together to build a healthier and more active county and invites partners and community members to pledge their support and play their part in transforming lives through sport and physical activity.
Liz Davidson, Partnership Director for Active Kent & Medway, said: "We are thrilled to be launching Move Together, which reflects our shared belief in the power of sport and physical activity to enrich the lives of the people across Kent and Medway. We believe that by working together, we can create a county where everyone is supported to be active in their everyday lives. We look forward to working with partners and communities to make this vision a reality."
“Moving more is a free and easy way to boost health and wellbeing but lots of factors including low income, disability, ethnicity, and gender, mean not everyone gets to play sport or keep fit.”
Kent County Council Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh said: "I am excited to pledge my support to this fantastic initiative.
"Moving more is a free and easy way to boost health and wellbeing but lots of factors including low income, disability, ethnicity, and gender, mean not everyone gets to play sport or keep fit. Making it easier for everyone to move more, together with healthy eating, will help reduce the risk of serious disease like type-2 diabetes, and mental illness, like depression.
"Our One You Kent services, which include group physical activity sessions and organised walks, will help support the Move Together strategy, expanding opportunities for all Kent and Medway residents to enjoy better health."
Rupa Sen, Executive Manager, Medway Diversity Forum said: "We are proud to pledge our support of the new Kent and Medway strategy, Move Together, committed to provide Black Minority ethnic communities fair access, opportunity, and resources, with the elimination of barriers to sport and physical activity."
Visit Active Kent website for details about Move Together and learn how to pledge your support for the new four-year strategy.
Active Kent & Medway
Active Kent & Medway (formerly known as Kent Sport) is one of 43 Active Partnerships in England who work collaboratively with local partners to ensure the power of physical activity and sport can transform lives.
Our Vision: More people, more active, more often. Our Mission: Improving lives through sport and physical activity.
Our principal funders are Sport England and Kent County Council, whose strategies set the direction of our work and activity. Kent County Council also hosts the partnership in its offices, providing support services, and is the employer of our staff team. We also work with and are supported financially by Medway Council and the 12 district and borough councils across the county.
For more information:
- visit the Active Kent website
- email activekent@kent.gov.uk
- read the Move Together strategy.
Sport England Active Lives Survey
Sport England, established by Royal Charter in 1996, is determined to give everyone in England the chance to benefit from sport and physical activity. It runs two surveys: Active Lives Adult and the world-leading Active Lives Children and Young People, which is published annually.
Both give a unique and comprehensive view of how people are getting active at national and local level.
For more information:
- read a summary of the findings in the latest adult report
- explore and filter the data using the Active Lives Online tool
- read a summary of the latest children and young people report.
