At this year’s Active LDN conference, we welcomed nearly 300 guests to Emirates Stadium to focus on ‘Unlocking Spaces for a Healthier London’.

NHS Regional Director (London), Caroline Clarke, gave the first keynote of the day, which explored how physical activity is key to reducing health inequalities and supporting healthy communities. Following this, we heard from Arsenal in the Community, and its beneficiaries on their shared experiences of overcoming barriers to exercise, and how their involvement in the club has changed their lives. Our other keynotes included Andre de Jeu (ACES Europe), who discussed how Europe’s healthiest nations can inspire a vision to make London the healthiest city in the world, and parkrun’s Steve Camacho, who reflected on 20 years of parkrun and the movement it’s inspired.

Breakout sessions tackled key topics such as embedding public health in urban design, using data to address gaps, and fostering inclusion through creative interventions. Safeguarding emerged as a priority, with speakers highlighting the need for clear policies, robust training, and reimagining intimidating spaces to create safer, more active communities.