Redbridge Council to explore impact of physical activity through London Sport-backed strategy consultation

​Redbridge Council has launched a public consultation on the borough’s new Draft Physical Activity Strategy.

The new ​Draft Physical Activity Strategy aims to put ​Redbridge Council and its leisure provider, ​Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure, at the forefront of tackling inactivity, with a focus on the wider benefits of participating in physical activity and sport.

The strategy, which was developed through an extensive evidence gathering and research process, includes:

• An international, national, regional and local strategy review;
• An analysis of secondary population data, trends and forecasted needs;
• A review of formal and informal facilities and spaces, including direct consultation with 177 community, faith and health centres across the borough;
• A comprehensive consultation and interview process with senior stakeholders, community leaders and resident groups; and
• Extended internal Council sessions to ensure buy-in to deliver against shared objectives across transport, public health and planning.

This research was delivered by London Sport Consultancy in partnership with associate Michael Stone of ​Sport MR, and presents a cross-departmental view of the power of physical activity and sport in Redbridge. 

Designed through a process based on ​Sport England guidance, the strategy outlines an ambitious range of priorities led by the Leisure and Culture team, with joint-ownership from the borough’s Transport, Public Health and Planning directorates.

The Draft Strategy contains a range of commitments around the development of Active Places, Active Communities and an Active Lifetime for people in Redbridge, which will be shaped throughout by co-design and community co-development, forming the basis of an evidence-led approach to delivering against the strategy’s key actions.

The direction of this strategy is highly influenced by the potential for physical activity and sport to impact positively on social, economic, educational and health outcomes at a hyper-local level.

London Sport remain committed to supporting the Council to achieving their strategic aims through the day-to-day working of our operations and relationship management teams.

Tristan Farron-Mahon, London Sport Insight Consultancy Manager, said:

“Redbridge Council’s commitment to tackling inactivity is extremely commendable, and the ambition on show in this Draft Physical Activity Strategy makes clear the Council’s commitment to finding long-term, sustainable solutions that address the root causes of inactivity. 

"Working with Redbridge Council, Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure, and Sport MR on this project has been a real pleasure and we very much look forward to supporting the next steps of the process through this important consultation phase.”

Councillor Jas Athwal, Leader of Redbridge Council, said:

“Being physically active is so important, for health and physical and mental wellbeing. We want to work with local people to make sure exercise is as accessible as possible so everyone has an opportunity to be active.”

“We want lots of local people to take part in the consultation process to help us break down barriers to exercise and open up opportunities to be fit and healthy to everyone in Redbridge.

“Already some Redbridge residents have come forward to lead physical activities in their communities, which is fantastic. With local people coming together to work with Vision and the council on this, I know we can achieve great things.”

The Council are now consulting residents and groups for their views on the Draft Physical Activity Strategy and its six priority areas, in a process which closes on 17 February 2020.

More information is available at Redbridge Council’s Consultation Hub.