Our Work in Tower Hamlets

Tower Hamlets faces significant health and inequality challenges that impact residents’ ability to be active and well:

  • Inactivity is higher in the most deprived areas (27%) than the least deprived (19%)
  • 23% of men are inactive compared with 26% of women
  • 43% of adults aged 65+ are inactive compared with 23% of adults under 65
  • Lower activity levels among Asian adults (38% inactive) compared with White British adults (17%), and a marked gender gap among Asian residents (46% of women inactive vs. 29% of men).
  • 43% of disabled residents are inactive compared with 18% of non-disabled residents

Project Overview

We work across the whole borough, focusing on communities most affected by inactivity and health inequalities.

Our work prioritises communities most affected by inactivity, including:

  • Older adults
  • Asian residents, particularly women
  • Disabled residents
  • Children and young people

Across Tower Hamlets we are collaborating with a wide range of partners, including Tower Hamlets Council, L&Q, Poplar HARCA, Real BPO, DPO, Women’s Inclusive Team, Youth Sport Trust, StreetGames, Access Sport, Sport Inspired, NHS, local GPs, and voluntary and community organisations (VCS).

We are building a long-term, community-led model for change through four key phases:

Building Strong Foundations

Developing governance structures, physical activity networks, and ways of working across the borough.

Listening & Learning

Engaging residents, local groups, and community organisations to understand barriers to activity.

Testing & Adapting

Supporting community-led initiatives that reduce inequalities and create inclusive opportunities to move.

Scaling Impact

Embedding sustainable, borough-wide approaches that increase activity levels and address systemic barriers.

Contact

Nick Payne

Place Partnership Lead