New strategy launched to get people active
Four local councils are collaborating on a new strategy to get people moving and encourage active lifestyles in Norfolk.
South Norfolk Council, Broadland District Council, Norwich City Council and Norfolk County Council are working together on the Greater Norwich Physical Sports Strategy (PASS), which aims to tackle physical inactivity across all sections of society in the county.
Public Health England states that the UK population is 20% less active than in the 1960s and if this trend continues at its current rate, we are set to be 35% less active by 2030.
The UK Chief Medical Officer has found that physical inactivity contributes to one in six deaths in the UK and costs an estimated £7.4bn nationally. On a local level, the cost to Greater Norwich is estimated at £77m each year.
The PASS strategy will increase the provision of services and education to support Norfolk residents to leading a healthy and active lifestyle, while improving accessibility to sports and activities.
Part of this work will include engaging with groups of people that are currently inactive, implementing more education around sport in schools, encouraging new active modes of transportation, and working with council partners to ensure physical activity is signposted through social prescribers.
South Norfolk Council Leader and Chair of the GNGB, John Fuller said:
“Recent events have shown us that it’s never been more important to be fit and healthy. The work we’ve done to promote sports and our investment in sports facilities is really important for our existing communities and people moving into Greater Norwich. The aim of this new strategy is to drive the best health and wellbeing outcomes for our residents and reverse the trend of inactivity. PASS will help in ensuring appropriate programmes and assets are in place to encourage people to lead an active lifestyle, be it through schools, workplaces, leisure centres or by creating more recreational areas."