Physical Activity for Health and Wellbeing Impact Reports 2023-24

It is well documented that being physically active can help people to lead healthier and happier lives encouraging improvements in physical, mental, and social wellbeing.

Those taking part in regular exercise have a lower risk of developing many long-term health conditions and illnesses including coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Being physically active is also proven to increase self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy levels and reduce the risks of stress, clinical depression, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.

It is also clear that health is not experienced equally by everyone with inequalities influenced beyond someone’s individual lifestyle - to include wider social determinants. These effects are felt more significantly by certain groups within society and can lead to a marked reduction in physical and mental health, as well as overall life expectancy. Physical activity has been described as the ‘miracle cure’ that can help overcome the inequalities faced by so many. It should not be a privilege, but a basic human need.

Our goal is to ensure that the people in Hertfordshire can reap the benefits of physical activity, regardless of wider circumstance, targeting resource at those that are least active and facing greatest inequality.

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