Physical Activity Projects
During 2009/2010 the Department of Health invested in County Sports Partnerships across the country to support in coordination between the health and sport sectors. As part of the coordination there was the development of 'The Tees Valley Physical Activity Action Plan' which has aimed to improve the delivery of physical activity through partner organisations and link a broad range of strategies and plans.
The election of a coalition government has meant that there has been a huge shift in endorsed strategies, policies and guidance therefore adhering to what has been 'current' has been a challenge for everyone.
The Action Plan has been compiled with the support and input of a variety of partners including NHS Tees, NHS County Durham & Darlington, local authorities, education sector, Natural England, Sustrans and a variety of National Governing Bodies for sport and civil organisations. The Plan has aimed to:
• Influence the development of partner organisation strategic and operational planning approaches to physical activity
• Ensure effective use of resources and maximise the opportunities for future investment in physical activity
• Raise the profile of physical activity and help align delivery with sport
• Help secure investment in the capacity, skills and knowledge of the workforce to increase participation in physical activity.
Strategic Policy Review
PMP Genesis and Sheffield Hallam University were commissioned to undertake an audit of Physical Activity Interventions by the 4 North East County Sport Partnerships in 2009. The overall objective of the study was to provide a baseline position, which could be used by key organisations to inform future strategies and programmes in the sport, exercise, physical activity and health sectors. This work has been highly influential in shaping the content of this Action Plan.
Due to the shift in the political climate during the development and consultation of the Physical Activity Action Plan it has impacted upon some of the key strategic drivers and therefore aligning local practice with national developments has caused delay and reconsideration of some areas of this work. It is still important to mention that physical activity will remain an important element of health improvement and sustainable communities however there may be a shift in responsibility, investment and interventions.
Pending further instruction from the government this plan will evolve to ensure alignment to new policy and strategy. The launch of the Public Health White Paper has given us some indication of priorities and this will allow us to identify how we can shape the future of physical activity development and intervention.
The data and information that has been collected is based on an extensive consultation period and the priorities for the Tees Valley will still remain current. It may be how we address these priorities that will change based on political influence.
Publications that have influence this work so far are:
• The previous national physical activity strategy " Be Active, Be Healthy" published by the Department of Health in 2009, which highlighted how the department will work with partners to increase participation levels in the lead up to London 2012 and beyond. This document is no longer endorsed and further strategic documents are planned early in 2011. The Public Health White Paper Healthy Lives, Healthy People outlines some of the planned documents.
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publichealth/Healthyliveshealthypeople/index.htm
• The regional health and wellbeing strategy "Better Health, Fairer Health" produced by the Department of Health North East and sets out a vision that the region will be the most physically active in the country.
• Tees and Durham & Darlington PCT annual operating plans, which have a direct link to the regional strategy and highlight the need to increase physical activity. PCT's are currently undergoing huge restructuring therefore changes are certain to support in the cuts that are facing all public sector organisations.
• Local Area Agreements in the Tees Valley, which all prioritise health and wellbeing, healthy living or improved health as key themes and include a number of key national health related indicators. The LAA's will be abolished under the new government however they are looking into different structures to support in targeting neighbourhoods and meeting local need.
Action Plan
The Tees Valley Physical Activity Action Plan has been developed with a long term vision however the focus will continue to change due to a number of factors.
The County Sports Partnerships will no longer receive investment from the Department of Health to drive forward Physical Activity development across the sub-region. Tees Valley Sport Physical Activity Development Manager will not be in post after December 2010 therefore it is being encouraged that partners endorse this plan to support in service planning and to give guidance on some pending priorities to take forward through your organisations and partnerships.
The plan features five sections:
- Influencing policy and strategic planning
- Reaching populations; utilising market segmentation, promotional campaigns and social marketing
- Increasing opportunities to be active
- Developing the physical activity workforce
- Evaluation to strengthen the evidence base for physical activity intervention
Tees Valley Sport will continue to work to ensure a long term commitment to the delivery of the Physical Activity. The Action Plan will provide a focal point for all partners involved in increasing participation levels in physical activity in the Tees Valley, and play an important role in ensuring that all efforts to achieve this vision are coordinated and effective.
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