Get Active – a Physical Activity Strategy for North Somerset
Our Vision: Every person has the opportunity to get moving, be active, and enjoy a healthier life in their local community
Shared Outcomes:
- Active Places
- Active Communities
- Healthy People
- Partnerships and Working Together
There is an overwhelming amount of evidence that proves being physically active has the power to change lives for the better, from childhood through to old age. Even small changes such as using the stairs for a couple of floors, rather than taking the lift, or getting off the bus a stop early and walking the rest of the way can make a big difference over time.
When we’re young, being active helps our bodies develop properly, with a strong heart, healthy bones, muscles and brain development. As we get older, regular exercise reduces our risk of illness – from heart disease, stroke, colon and breast cancer to obesity and osteoporosis, among other conditions.
If movement were a medicine, we’d call it a miracle cure, due to the great many illnesses it can prevent and help treat. In short, an active life is a happier, healthier and more prosperous life. We believe sport and physical activity has a big role to play in improving the physical and mental health of the North Somerset population, supporting the economy, reconnecting communities and building a stronger community for all who live and work in North Somerset.
Recent years have seen unprecedented challenges which have impacted on our ability to be active. The pandemic and ongoing financial challenges around the cost of living have had a huge effect on all of us, including on the sport and physical activity sector and its workforce.
This strategy is our vision for the next five years. It sets out the actions we will take, grouped into eight key themes, so that we can provide North Somerset residents with the opportunities to be physically active they need now, and in the future.
Alongside providing universal opportunities for physical activity participation we will also target available physical activity resources to those who will benefit most from being regularly active, to ensure that we achieve our vision for everyone to have the opportunity to move more and enjoy a healthier life.
Our job is to ensure that the benefits of sport and physical activity are within reach of everyone in North Somerset. We look forward to working together with residents, local organisations and stakeholders whatever their sector or industry to make these ambitions a reality.
Watch our animation below for more information about Get Active: A Physical Activity Strategy for North Somerset:
Published: 29 January 2024
If you or your organisation would like to input into the Action Plan for Get Active – a Physical Activity Strategy for North Somerset or be part of the Physical Activity Strategy Steering group please email: getactive@n-somerset.gov.uk
