Getting Yorkshire and Humber active after Covid-19 - Policy Yorkshire

YORKSHIRE’S think tank is today launching a call for evidence on how to support people to become more active and access sport across the region as part of its recovery from the pandemic.

Massive inequalities across our region

Research has shown that many people are active in Yorkshire and The Humber and before the pandemic levels of activity were increasing. However, there are massive inequalities with those on low incomes and disabled people especially finding it difficult to be active on a regular basis. This is a having a serious impact on people’s mental and physical health.

With obesity a clear risk factor in contracting COVID-19 and lockdown having caused significant mental health problems, there has never been a more important time to be active. Indications over the past year suggest that people have found it more difficult to be so. There are especially serious concerns at the impact that remote learning and staying at home has had on the ability of children to access opportunities to be active through school and general play.

How can activity play a full part towards healthy, prosperous and connected communities across our region?

An expert working group is today launching a call for evidence for those with an interest in the issue asking how to ensure sport and physical activity plays a full part towards healthy, prosperous and connected communities across Yorkshire and the Humber region.

With the latest global evidence suggesting that there are eight policy areas that can help support people to be active, including physical education at school, good urban planning to support physical activity and clear public messaging, the group is keen to hear from respondents on the following key points:

1. What works well and not so well now in Yorkshire and The Humber in supporting and encouraging physical activity? 
2. What opportunities are there to re-shape our physical, social and economic environment to better improve levels of physical activity? 
3. How might we describe and measure future success in achieving these policies in Yorkshire and The Humber? 
4. What are the policies that matter most to support people in Yorkshire and The Humber to be as active as they can be? 

Have your say now

Policy Yorkshire is seeking written submissions in response to these questions of no longer than 2,000 words by 5pm on Friday 16th April. Submissions can be made online at policyyorkshire.org or can be sent to admin@policyyorkshire.org.

Policy Yorkshire on Physical Activity Communications Toolkit

If you are able to support the search for answers that can shape the future and spread the word in any way, that would be hugely appreciated.

Please feel free to use this Communications Toolkit to help you.

The deadline for submitting evidence is 5pm on Friday 16 April.