Active Lives data reveals the latest picture of physical activity across the Humber

New Active Lives data for adults and children and young people gives us the latest picture of physical activity across the Humber, highlighting encouraging progress, but also persistent inequalities and areas where more needs to be done. 

Adults: progress nationally, but challenges remain locally 

Across England, adult activity levels are at their highest in a decade, with 64.6% meeting recommended activity levels. In the Humber, however, around 29.4% of adults remain inactive, with local activity levels remaining relatively stable over time. 

The data shows that inequality continues to play a significant role. People living in more deprived communities and those with a long-term health condition or disability are less likely to be active, while the gap between the most and least affluent communities is widening. 

There are also differences between age groups. Activity is increasing among adults aged 55 and over, but has declined among younger adults aged 16–34. 

Children and young people: activity is rising, but over half are not active enough 

There are encouraging signs in the latest children and young people's data, with activity levels in the Humber at their highest level to date. 

However, 51% of children and young people are still not meeting recommended activity levels which is equivalent to around 62,000 young people across the Humber. 

Children are more active outside school than during the school day, while activity is lowest among younger primary-aged children in Years 3 and 4. 

Inequalities are also evident, with lower activity levels among children facing multiple challenges, those living in urban areas and those without good access to outdoor space. Positively, the gap in activity levels between boys and girls has now closed. 

Using the data to make a difference 

Together, the Adult and Children and Young People's Active Lives data helps us better understand who is active, who isn't and where the greatest inequalities exist across the Humber. 

This insight can support organisations across health, education, local government, planning, the voluntary and community sector and beyond to make informed decisions and focus resources where they can have the greatest impact. 

Active Humber has brought together the latest Active Lives insight and resources to make the data easier for partners to access and use. 

Explore the Active Lives data and resources on the Active Humber website: View our Active Lives insight and resources

If you'd like to discuss what the data means for your organisation or how you can use it in your work, please get in touch with the Active Humber team.