Activity levels recover, but Stoke left behind
Sport England have released their latest report on adult activity levels in England, and it makes for bittersweet reading.
The data shows that Stoke-on-Trent has seen a 3.1% increase in the number of people achieving the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week, but is still lagging behind the national average of 63.1%, with only 56.8% of residents meeting this level.
However, 31.4% of people in Stoke get less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week, significantly higher than the national average of 25.8%. This is particularly concerning to local Active Partnership Together Active, who say the physical and mental health impacts of such low levels of activity are well documented. Data shows that limited levels of physical activity can increase the pressure on already overstretched health and social care services, reduce productivity and contribute to the perpetuation of inequality.
Overall activity levels in England have returned to pre-pandemic levels, and an additional 1.5 million people across the country are now active, meaning they’re moving for more than 150 minutes per week. However, it is clear that people from more deprived backgrounds are still being left out from achieving an active lifestyle.
The least deprived areas have seen a return to their pre-pandemic levels of activity, while mid-deprived areas have seen a partial recovery. The most deprived areas are trailing far behind where they were just a few years ago, with a 3.1% drop vs 2019 levels.
Together Active CEO, Carly Jones, commented, “As an organisation that works in some of the most deprived areas of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, we understand the challenges which limit access to physical activity for those with low or no incomes, those with disabilities and people living with long term health conditions. But we’re also clear that being more physically active will have the greatest impact on these groups.
“Being active is incredibly important for not only physical and mental health, but for developing community cohesion, building friendships and feeling part of your local area. That’s why we’re working in collaboration with other local charities, organisations, authorities and healthcare providers to challenge the status quo and develop new opportunities for physical activity in our most deprived communities.”
Sport England’s Active Lives Survey is a vital insight into the health and wellbeing of our communities, and we will continue to use its findings to support and develop our work in Stoke-on-Trent.
Read the full report: https://www.sportengland.org/news/adults-activity-levels-england-bounce-back-pre-pandemic-levels
Read next: Budget response