David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, is investing millions to empower communities to become healthier so that everyone can thrive in York and North Yorkshire.
The Mayor’s new campaign ‘Moving Forward’ looks to address regional challenges through four key areas; Movement, Activity and Sport, Active Travel, Men’s Mental Health, and Connected to the Outdoors.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:
“The health and wellbeing of our communities is at the heart of everything we do and has been my priority since day one.
“Empowering our communities to create more opportunities to move and be together is a key way we’re going to deliver healthy and thriving communities across York and North Yorkshire.”
Moving Forward has been developed in collaboration with partners from a range of organisations across two groups, the Sports Steering Group and Men’s Mental Health Taskforce.
The first milestone is £2.75 million Movement, Activity and Sport funding. Investment will be targeted to support more women and girls to take part in movement, activity and sport, remove barriers for Disabled people by supporting inclusive activities, tackle rural isolation, support early intervention and prevention for health, anti-social behaviour and crime, and enhance skills development and training in the sector.
David Skaith added:
“Sport changed my life, and I want as many people as possible to have that same opportunity.
“I know the impact that keeping moving has on our mental health, but in our region, too many people face barriers to accessing sport and activity, especially women and girls and Disabled people.
“Over 30% of adults do less than 30 minutes of exercise a week, and over 60% are overweight or obese. That contributes towards preventable long-term ill health.”
“Moving Forward is about backing people across York and North Yorkshire to build the healthy and thriving communities they deserve.”
North Yorkshire Sport is managing the delivery of the fund.
David Watson, Chief Executive of North Yorkshire Sport and Chair of the Sports Steering Group, said: “The £2.75 million Movement, Activity and Sport Fund is a major investment in York and North Yorkshire’s health and wellbeing, reducing inequalities, building stronger communities, and increasing opportunities to be active.
“North Yorkshire Sport is delighted to be working alongside the Combined Authority to help more people, especially those facing barriers, access inclusive opportunities for movement, activity and sport.
“Our close working relationship and shared goals will ensure the fund transforms communities across our region, creating lasting opportunities for health, connection, inclusion and economic development.”
For more information on Moving Forward, head to our website here.