The Sport England Active Lives Adult Survey results have been published today (Thursday 21st October), covering the period from mid-May 2020 to mid-May 2021, which includes periods of national and tiered restrictions introduced to counter the Coronavirus pandemic.

The report highlights that while there are signs of recovery for activity levels as restrictions have eased, not all groups or demographics are affected or recovering at the same rate.

Existing inequalities have been widened, with some groups hit much harder by the pandemic than others. This is the case for women, young people aged 16-34, over 75s, disabled people and people with long-term health conditions, and those from ethnically diverse communities. In addition, those living in deprived areas and those in urban areas found it harder to be active.

Clare Morley, Chief Executive Officer, Rise:

“We can’t dispute that the disruption of the pandemic has had a significant impact on physical activity levels and our attitudes towards being more active. The data released today highlights how nationally, compared to 12 months ago, there are 1.9% fewer physically active adults. The insight also shows that people with a disability or long-term health condition and those from lower socio-economic groups were disproportionately affected, widening the gap in the inequalities that they face.

However, locally we’re pleased to see that there are some positive signs too. Overall, Northumberland, Newcastle and Sunderland all saw slight increases in the levels of adults who are physically active compared to 12 months ago; and three out of our six Local Authority areas are either reporting equal or lower levels of inactive adults compared to pre-pandemic data, signalling some signs of a longer-term positive trend.

There is also continuing evidence that if a person is active, they will feel happier, more satisfied with their life and more positive, as well as feeling less anxious and lonely.

At Rise, we know that being physically active has so many positive benefits for people, communities and our environment. We will therefore continue to work with our partners to create more opportunities for people to incorporate being active into their daily lives.

Turning around the effects of the pandemic will not be quick or easy, but we are determined to make a difference by using the power of physical activity to improve the quality of life for communities that need it most in Northumberland and Tyne & Wear.”