Strategy well under way to tackle high levels of inactivity in Doncaster communities

Analysis shows around a third of Doncaster residents are sedentary, performing less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week and in the most deprived communities, this figure rises to almost two thirds.

Doncaster was successful in becoming one of only twelve Sport England Local Delivery Pilots in order to improve low levels of physical activity under the guise of ‘Get Doncaster Moving’ (GDM).

But the pandemic has hampered some efforts in getting people to move more.

Initial research completed by Sheffield Hallam University identified that levels of inactivity in eight communities were far worse than borough averages and demonstrated a stark difference between them.

In response, council teams through Sport England investment included hiring staff to organise programmes, projects and events alongside community groups and individuals.

These included dance clubs for women over the age of 55 to improve fitness and tackle social isolation.

The programme is focussing on Balby, Bentley, Conisbrough, Denaby, Mexborough, Moorends, and Stainforth, Wheatley.

The wider programme also wants to take advantage of sporting events such as the Tour de Yorkshire and the upcoming Rugby League World Cup in which Doncaster is hosting three group games.

This work was initially established through an award in April 2018 of £390,000 from council funds that provided the base to commence delivery of GDM and develop stronger partnerships.

This work was recognised by Sport England which later led significant support and funding, including the Doncaster Cycle Circuit.

Doncaster will continue to get a total of £9.5 million to improve levels of inactivity through to 2025.

Andrew Maddox, business development officer for leisure services and public health, said: “The vision for Get Doncaster Moving and Doncaster’s Local Delivery Pilot is to address the inequalities that exist in the physical activity participation levels of Doncaster residents.

“Our approach continues to explore these inequalities, offering insight and testing interventions that address the gaps that currently exist.

“Higher levels of physical activity are associated with positive outcomes such as reduced crime, pollution and traffic. Additionally, productivity, school performance, property values, health and well-being improve drastically with an active population.”

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