Sport England Delivers a Programme to Keep the Nation Active
Aug, 25 2020
Did you discover that during lockdown you were more inclined to rewatch the entire Friends boxset instead of keeping fit to Joe Wicks?
For many, we may have been taking it relatively easy but now a new scheme has been introduced in association with Sport England to keep the nation active.
There are a number of reasons why people have been inactive. Let us discuss each one and the much needed help to go forward.
1. People who feel worried or anxious about contracting coronavirus for a prolonged period:-
Understandably they’ve either heard or read local reports about COVID-19 and this has had a negative effect on their physical and mental health. On the plus side, people have avoided public transport in fear of picking up the virus and so have found an alternative means of travelling either by foot or by a convenient cycle route which has had a more positive impact in their lives.
Below is a list of those most likely affected:-
- Those with longstanding physical or mental health conditions
- disabled people,
- Those who are/have been shielding
- Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people
- Older adults said they are most likely to feel worried or anxious about contracting coronavirus.
2) People disproportionately affected financially as a result of corona virus:-
When lockdown began it created a lot of uncertainty with regards to people’s employment status especially those receiving low income. When leisure centres temporarily closed, people could no longer utilize gym equipment as the machines are to expensive for home use yet some have resorted to keeping fit online.
The following is a list of those financially affected:-
- Women
- People under the age of 25
- People from lower socio-economic groups
- Disabled people
- BAME people
- Unpaid carers
3) People experiencing a greater burden of care because of corona virus:-
This is mostly applicable to those who come into contact with those who need care and support. Families may have attempted social distanced exercise with their children at the weekends but without professional help have failed to keep it up.
These three groups have been affected by a greater burden of care:-
- Women
- Families with children
- Carers (paid or unpaid)
Anxiety, job retention and care work are all important because if not well understood by everyone involved in delivering sport and physical activity, levels of activity across the country could be seriously hampered and fewer people will stand to access the enormous physical and mental wellbeing benefits that being active brings.
Sport England will work with Join the Movement to deliver a programme that will suitably appeal to the above groups. In each case being physically active will be the main focus in encouraging individuals to seek a lifestyle which will help maintain their physical and mental health.
^Alex Ashworth CCG UK Blogger
