- Three new ‘places’ across London announced to tackle inequalities in activity levels
- Barking & Dagenham, Tower Hamlets and Brent set to benefit from significant investment
- Each new place is in the top 10% of the country for inactivity, social need, deprivation and health inequality
London Sport is collaborating with Sport England and local stakeholders to boost levels of physical activity among people living in the most deprived and inactive communities.
Barking & Dagenham, Tower Hamlets and Brent are among 53 places across England set to benefit from a share of Sport England’s £250million investment into the heart of communities, designed so that those in greatest need can be physically active.
Sport England analysis shows that every £1 invested in sport and physical activity in London generates almost £4 in return across health and wellbeing, stronger communities and the economy; equaling £10 billion of economic and social value for London1.
We know that 40% of adult Londoners and over half of young Londoners are not meeting recommended activity levels. And 1 in 12 children are doing no activity at all. Adults in the most deprived areas of London are twice as likely and children three times as likely, to be inactive compared to the least deprived areas.
To tackle these stubborn inequalities and break down barriers to leading an active lifestyle, London Sport is taking a ‘Place-based approach’ – enabling local organisations and leaders who understand both the specific needs and opportunities of their communities, and the local assets that are available – to support people to play sport and get active.
Emily Robinson, CEO, London Sport, said: “London Sport is delighted to welcome this investment from Sport England, and to be working closely with communities in Barking and Dagenham, Tower Hamlets and Brent, resulting in more accessible places for sport and physical activity.
“This initial investment into place will allow London Sport, alongside our local partners, to ensure that new programmes and infrastructure meet local needs and priorities, and help support more people in the community to get moving to support their physical and mental health.
“At London Sport, we believe that where you live should never be a barrier to leading an active life. This funding will help unlock the potential of underutilised spaces, improve local facilities, and create more opportunities for communities to be active in ways that work for them. By working in partnership with local authorities, grassroots organisations and communities, we can ensure that this investment leaves a lasting impact, helping Londoners lead happier, healthier and longer lives through being more active.”
Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Sport England’s Executive Director for Place, said: “We are proud to announce our partnerships with 53 new places in every corner of the country today. We know that where someone lives plays a huge part in how active, or not, they will be. Through our Place Expansion programme we will work with local partners and communities to break down the barriers to physical activity so that everyone has equal access to a more active life. We are excited to see what we can achieve together in Barking and Dagenham, Tower Hamlets and Brent.”
