Living Sport in partnership with Fenland District Council

As part of the partnership, a member of the Living Sport team is embedded within the Active Fenland Team, which will strengthen its  ability to develop further provision across the district where it is needed most. This partnership enhances the work of our own strategic priorities:

• Supporting the wellbeing of communities to thrive by becoming more resilient, inclusive and connected.
• Supporting positive physical activity for children and young people
• Embedding physical activity in the prevention and management of physical and mental health conditions

Fenland is a priority place within the county due to the increase in population size, the ageing population, higher levels of obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and low levels of physical activity compared with national levels.

Sally Gibson, Head of Programmes at Living Sport, said: "We are thrilled to be working closely with the Active Fenland team at Fenland District Council to support delivery of targeted physical activity within the district. By working in partnership with key stakeholders, we are able to work together to tackle inequalities"

Data from the latest Sport England Active Lives Survey (2021/22) demonstrates the need for continued work to close the inactivity gaps in Fenland. Although 51.4% of adults are active (meeting the physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes a week), this is considerably lower than the average for England at 63.1%. For children and young people in Fenland, 46.7% are active which is closer to the national average at 47.2% although it does mean that over half (53.3%) of the children and young people are not active enough to benefit their health.

Cllr Alex Miscandlon, Fenland District Council's Portfolio Holder for Leisure, said: "We are delighted that this partnership will enhance and grow opportunities for the community to take part in accessible sport and physical activity sessions within our district. Active Fenland provides an ever-growing timetable of free and low-cost activity for our residents old and young alike, which we'd urge people to get involved in - there's something for everyone, from novice netball to yoga, social badminton to wellbeing walks and so much more."

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November 2023