Getting women walking for health
Testing a digital approach to get more women walking for health.
One in four people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight do fewer than 30 minutes of physical activity per week.
Barriers – real and perceived – are preventing people from being active. But often those who are least active have the most to gain from the physical and mental health benefits that regular exercise brings.
To achieve the greatest health gains, our work focuses on:
There are major inequalities within society, with too many of us not able to access activity in the same way and missing out on the benefits.
Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England
Fear, lack of confidence, and time pressures are stopping women from being active. 39% of women are not active enough to enjoy improved health and wellbeing, compared to 35% of men.
We want women to feel confident to take part in regular exercise without fear of judgement. So we champion the This Girl Can campaign and give women a helping hand to get started.
People living with long-term health conditions are twice as likely to be inactive. When you factor in chronic pain and low energy, this is hardly surprising. But evidence shows that being active can help manage many conditions. It can also help reduce the impact and severity of symptoms.
Indeed, 69% of people living with a long-term health condition would like to be more active. But, for many, fear of making their health issues worse stops them in their tracks.
Research shows that 44% would like more help and advice on how to be more active. So we’re working with health professionals to provide this support.
Across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, there are geographical areas where fewer people take part in regular exercise.
We are working closely with these communities and with research partners to understand why. But we never begin by talking about physical activity.
Instead, we get to know people and places and what matters to them. In doing so, we create opportunities for individuals and organisations to come together and lead change.
Statistically, people in Millbrook live 12 years less than those across the rest of Hampshire. 68% live with health conditions that limit their everyday lives. And over a quarter of children are obese at the age of 11.
But people in Millbrook tell a different story. Many love their community and have always lived there. But there are things they think would make it even better. So we’re helping them to drive change.
A child’s early experience of physical activity and sport can have a huge impact on their life. It can shape their attitude towards exercise later on. But it can also influence their health, happiness and attainment now.
We advise and encourage schools to give children an active start in life. And we work with a wide range of partners to support young people beyond school.
In England, nearly four in five children aged 5-15 are not doing the recommended amount of daily exercise to benefit their health. We want to help Hampshire and Isle of Wight children smash their 60 active minutes per day.
Helping us tackle inactivity to boost health and happiness
