Agenda item

To receive a report on the risks and the impact of Covid-19 on physical activity levels across Hampshire with particular attention to inequalities the physical activity sector.

Members received an update from Energise Me representatives on the impact of Covid on physical activity, with a focus on inequalities and modifiable actions in linking the risks to the general population in terms of exercise and obesity.  Members heard:

In terms of the context for existing inequalities, research has focused on local voices and looking at what was happening at the local level in disadvantaged communities, with work continuing through and after the Covid period.  As an organization and sector making connections to people, building trust with targeted groups and providing funding to help them build activity into their own lives.  The social prescribing application was successful in taking part across the region to match supply and demand, to innovate around people experiencing disadvantage, and provide benefit from physical activity with further recruitment underway with support of regional partners.

Covid exposed fault lines in society and research confirms the same - physical activity levels are lower for disadvantaged people.  Getting people moving would help with some of these challenges.  The map shared translates numbers pre-Covid, but it is unclear if those numbers will increase going forward and a new data drop is expected in March.  Currently mapped are those points where organizations and partners stepped in to create a message, but case studies indicate that it is not always easy.  

Highlights from cases studies depict various situations.  While lack of outdoor space can be an issue, using free NHS applications was up 92% and downloaded by 850,000 people nationally.  People in the work force can be encouraged, if they are able, to help others.  In some cases, such as online classes for wheelchair dances, going online made it easier to access due to no travel and channel efforts into the classes at home.  Some have even gone international, a positive aspect of Covid.  Online offers will remain but in person activities will pick up.  

Place based work continues in Hampshire and while things can appear one way on paper, in speaking to the community in some cases it was contradictory – people loved where they lived and were happy to stay and be part of it, but perhaps green spaces existing but didn’t allow for playing ball, being active, etc.  Finding ways to work around these challenges would help take the work forwards.

Local communities are connecting, and the approach is key to helping people care for themselves and get fitter.  Improved mental health is a significant benefit that goes along with physical fitness.  

In response to questions, Members heard:

The question of why some people exercise and some do not, remains at the heart of the issue.  

A recent consultation has taken place regarding transport and cycling benefit for communities and their health and wellbeing, but concrete results will require a system approach.  Ideally physical activity ought to be built into people’s days so as not have to make a separate decision.  

A focus on active travel, working with partners to bring travel within the scope of the physical activity strategy, and inviting transport officers to a Board discussion would be useful.  Work with Environment Transport and Environment colleagues and travel team will continue, and parish councils will be involved to benefit local communities and help local people access the significant benefits of physical activity. 

Post-Covid anxiety after extended shielding and in the true spirit of co-production, communication about physical activity without turning people off, being inclusive, using non-sports terminology, and reaching all parts of the population has been the priority for  an overall improvement to physical and mental health and wellbeing.  

Energize Me cannot be effective on their own.  Board members can help with making change in their communities, alongside traditional consultations.  There needs be more conversations with the people hardest to reach with the help of external organization to make connections, which includes low socioeconomic groups, women, people with underlying conditions, among others.  Without supporting the structural changes and transport arrangements, inadvertently embedding inequitable uptake of exercise can worsen health outcomes.  

The recommendations were approved by a majority with four abstentions.

RESOLVED:   

That the Health and Wellbeing Board--

·         Share relevant insight across partners to inform future actions and investments 

·         Use the insight to inform recovery/restoration plans. 

·         Encourage the schools that are selected, to take part in the Children and Young People Active Lives Survey to gather better data to inform future actions and investments. 

·         Use physical activity as a resource to improve people’s physical and mental wellbeing. 

·         Embed physical activity in all care pathways  

·         Support and engage in the development of the next physical activity strategy