Covid Recovery Impact Reports 2023-24

The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of sport, recreation, and physical activity to the lives of individuals and our communities, and we must work creatively and collaboratively to make the case for sport and physical activity and demonstrate the huge social, economic and health benefits that it can bring.

We know from Sport England’s research that existing inequalities have been widened, with some groups hit much harder by the pandemic than others - including women, young people aged 16- 34, older adults, people with a disability, people with long-term health conditions, and those from Black, Asian, and other ethnically diverse communities.

Those living in deprived areas and those in urban areas have also found it more challenging to be active. Moreover, we know that getting active can play a role in boosting the nation’s physical health and mental wellbeing with the most active people in England having the highest levels of mental wellbeing. In addition, the pandemic has brought home the real human cost of inequality.

Many people and communities still feel excluded, and more work is needed to ensure that sport and physical activity at all levels, is a place for everyone not just some. As we go about supporting the sport and physical activity sector in Hertfordshire to become even more resilient and sustainable in tackling the challenges that lie ahead, the promotion of diversity, inclusion and collaboration will need to be at the heart of our efforts.

Below you will find the Impact Reports relating to this Strategic Objective for 2023-2024