Blog

Access to sport and physical activity is not equal. This inequality of opportunity is clearly reflected in stubbornly lower levels of participation by children and young people living in low-income, underserved communities. There is no lack of demand for sport and physical activity among children and young people in these communities – the right sporting offer is too often absent. 

Creating environments that promote physical activity and help reduce inequalities is critical to achieving the mission of making physical activity an embedded part of everyday life. Therefore, physical activity providers have a vital role, not only in delivering physical activity programs but also in making these activities accessible to all.

By Jilly Walstow

My name is Jilly aka Mamma Strider. I set up a women’s running group in Hebden Bridge just over 4 years ago, I had a year where every ultra marathon I entered resulted in a 'Did Not Finish' (DNF) and I was left feeling despondent. I needed to do something - what if I couldn’t run anymore? Maybe encouraging others would be enough…

by Ifeoma Isife

I have a son, now 7 years old. I am the main carer and I take him out to ride his bike alongside other activities. I always walk behind while he is on his bike and most times, he would say ‘C’mon mummy walk fast’ or ‘you can’t catch me’ sort of phrase to make me close the gap between us or walk faster. Cycling with my son is the main motivation, his current phrase now is ‘I’m faster than you’ whenever he cycles past me.

In June, we visited Ryburn United FC, where Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees have set up their very first walking football session for the people they support, and the general public too.

We paid them a visit to ask them why the session was important to them, and to see the impact it was having on residents.

The 'Mixy Marchers' are a ladies walking group, formed in Mixenden, North Halifax. What started out as one woman's desire to manage her mental health, has become a popular walking group for ladies and children in the area. Bringing all of the physical and mental health benefits of exercise to the group, and bringing them together as a community too.