Our story so far
Inequalities have always been a barrier to participation in physical activity. But within the first month of Covid restrictions, it became clear the pandemic was exacerbating these barriers, significantly impacting the ability of under-represented groups to be physically active.
That’s why the Tackling Inequalities Fund reaches out to the communities that need the most support, working in collaboration with those on the ground to create accessible, inclusive opportunities and reduce health inequalities. By establishing local solutions to the barriers that exist in under-represented groups, we can create sustainable change and improve the health outcomes for our most vulnerable communities.
Here are just some of the stories from Lincolnshire, of how we worked with partners and came together at a time when we all had to stay apart, to help create real connections, with real people, to support them to be active when it was needed the most.
Active Health
The Active Health project was delivered by Active Nation at the Birchwood Leisure Centre in the Shapemasters Toning Suite.
The project was aimed at individuals with COPD over the age of 65, who were vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic and experienced a period of deconditioning due to lack of activity during lockdown. The programmes has successfully encouraged 42 individuals to take part and become active.
"All participants benefitted from the coached sessions and felt that the physical condition improved over the 12 weeks, especially those who had been isolating during the pandemic." Roger Michie- Business Manager at Active Nation
The majority of the participants did no exercise at all prior to the project. Quite a few had been isolating for a considerable period of time due to COVID and had not left the house for several months
However after the programme, 34 of the 42 participants who started the programme took out a membership to the venue and have continued to participate in physical activity programmes within the centre.
The impact of this programme can be summarised below:
"I feel safer here than I do anywhere since coming out of lockdown."
"Before I started coming to this session, I was struggling to walk, not anymore! Its brilliant, and I have made new friends."
"I can’t thank you enough. I have been stuck in the house for months and was too afraid to come out. These sessions have given me back my confidence."
