EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Case studies of physical exercise initiatives

Case studies of physical exercise initiatives

Introduction

Looks at community-based interventions in New Deal for Communities areas to tackle overweight and obesity through the promotion of new physical activity initiatives, or increased uptake of current activities.

Problem

Addresses the obesity epidemic, which can be attributed to diet and a reduction in physical activity. Within NDC areas there is:

an overall lack of sports and leisure facilities;
a limited range of suitable facilities appropriate to respond to local need;
poor quality existing facilities;
a lack of access to adequate facilities; and
a lack of support to encourage people to use facilities.

Description

This report examines the different approaches taken by six NDC areas to tackle overweight and obesity through the promotion of new physical activity initiatives, or increased uptake of current activities, and sets these within the context of local and national health care policies. It identifies lessons learned from experience in Salford, Walsall, Bristol, Oldham, Southampton and Middlesbrough.

Approach

This report explores different approaches:

the establishment of new exercise-related activities;
creation of referral schemes to existing or new exercise-related activities;
extending previous or existing exercise-related schemes; and
education to increase knowledge and awareness of the relationship between exercise and health.

Results

This report finds that linking exercise and physical activity programmes with healthy eating projects will help maximise the impact of tackling overweight and obesity, but suggests that thought needs to be given to the process of mainstreaming during the project's life cycle rather than waiting until funding has dried up. Many of the projects need to run for a longer period in order to get a better appreciation of their effectiveness. In addition, evaluation needs to examine how many participants continue with activities after the initial induction.

Beneficiaries

Local people in areas of deprivation, particularly those suffering from conditions relating to being overweight.

Financing

Funding came from the government’s New Deal for Communities programme. Expenditure for individual projects varied, e.g. £1000 for a subsidised swimming pilot project, £300 for subsidised sports activities at a sports complex.

Contact info

School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield
Dr Jean Peters (Senior lecturer in public health medicine), tel. + 44 114 222 0680

Project start date

01/01/2001

Links

School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield Neighbourhood Renewal Unit Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (now Department for Communities and Local Government)

Physical exercise initiatives: case studies (PDF, Eng, 236KB)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Quality of life

Keywords

Health