Active Oxfordshire Receives £1.3 Million to Boost Physical Activity Levels

Active Oxfordshire, a sports and physical activity organization in Oxfordshire, UK, has been awarded £1.3 million in funding to boost physical activity levels in the region. The funding, provided by the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB), Oxfordshire County Council, and the region's city and district councils, will be used to address disparities in activity levels, with a focus on the most deprived areas.

Data shows that while overall activity levels have increased in Oxfordshire, with nearly two-thirds of adults meeting the recommended activity levels, there are significant differences based on socioeconomic status and ethnicity. The strategy aims to address these gaps, with investments in the most deprived areas already showing positive results in closing the gap to the national average.

Why this matters: Addressing inequalities in access to physical activity opportunities is essential for improving public health outcomes. The funding will enable Active Oxfordshire to expand its programs and reach more residents at risk of leading inactive lifestyles, promoting healthier communities across the region.

The funding will support Active Oxfordshire's existing programs, such as YouMove and Move Together, and introduce new initiatives, including a brand-new early years physical activity offer and working with maternity services to increase activity levels for pregnant women. The investment aims to benefit more than 16,000 Oxfordshire residents who are at the highest risk of leading an inactive lifestyle.

Paul Brivio, Chief Executive of Active Oxfordshire, said, "This investment is a milestone moment in our efforts to help people make positive changes to their lives by being active and address the significant inequality gaps in access to active travel routes, professional guidance, and quality physical activity opportunities in the region."

The funding will also support ongoing shifts in the types of physical activities, with increases in active travel and fitness activities. Active Oxfordshire plans to expand existing activity provisions, increase active travel opportunities, and launch a new program designed for infants to establish healthy behaviors from an early age.

Key Takeaways

• Active Oxfordshire awarded £1.3M to boost physical activity in Oxfordshire, UK.
• Funding aims to address disparities in activity levels, focusing on deprived areas.
• Existing programs like YouMove and Move Together will be expanded, new initiatives introduced.
• Funding to benefit over 16,000 residents at high risk of inactive lifestyles.
• Increase in active travel and fitness activities, with new early years program.