Sport England to act in 27 areas via million pounds of expansion

England is facing a worsening inactivity crisis and the consequences are already shaping the health and future of entire communities. New analysis from Sport England shows a country split along clear lines of inequality. In the wealthiest areas, around one in five adults are inactive. In the most deprived areas, inactivity rises to more than one in three. These same neighbourhoods experience some of the lowest life expectancies in the country, with people falling ill earlier and spending far more of their lives in poor health.

The impact falls hardest on children. More than half a million young people aged 12 to 17 say they do not feel they belong where they live. Another 845,000 say they feel no pride in their area. Many point to the same reasons. They do not feel safe. They have few places to go. There are limited activities for young people and high levels of anti social behaviour. In many towns, the parks, sports facilities and youth spaces that once helped children stay active and connected have disappeared or become inaccessible.

This is not a marginal health trend. It is a national fault line. Inactivity fuels long term illness, increases NHS demand, weakens local economies and fractures communities. Physical inactivity already costs the country billions, while physical activity saves the NHS around £8 billion each year. That impact could be far greater if the communities facing the biggest barriers had fair access to safe and inclusive opportunities to be active.

Aston spoke to Dr Guddi Singh, paediatrician, broadcaster & podcaster.

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