More people more active

Transcription

1 More people more active Led by Sustrans, the consortium includes: How two million people were engaged in being more physically active in just four years Thanks from us all in the Active Travel Consortium to the many local authorities, London Boroughs, the Primary Care Trusts, public transport operators, Transport for London and the Department of Health who partnered with us to make all that we achieved possible. volunteers have given their time to Travel Actively projects Contact us Travel Actively, 2 Cathedral Square, College Green, Bristol, BS1 5DD Web: Photo credits Cover and Back: J Bewley / Sustrans Staff Dave Charnley Photography London Cycling Campaign p. 8: Julia Bayne p.10: Andy Brown for the Sheffield Well-being Consortium All other photos: J Bewley / Sustrans Staff ST2406 Sustrans Travel Actively 6pg Cover.indd Active Travel Consortium A consortium of leading walking, cycling and health charities 20/09/ :27

2 Welcome It has been over four years since we at the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published our guidance on Promoting and creating built or natural environments that encourage and support physical activity. But guidance is only as good as the practice it brings about. It s encouraging to see some effort now by national governments and local authorities to invest in creating the safer public space that our guidance identifies as being key to increasing levels of physical activity, such as walking and cycling. This report, in the meantime, clearly shows the effectiveness of initiatives that inspire people to walk and cycle for their everyday journeys We ll have to wait for the evidence, but I suspect ring-fenced investment of the sort available in England through the Local Sustainable Transport Fund will be crucial to maintaining this in the medium to long-term as local authority budgets have ever greater demands placed on them. And it s also good to see ground-breaking collaborations, such as in Liverpool where the Primary Care Trust is partnering with the city council to fund the implementation of 20mph speed limits city wide a classic public health initiative. This report, in the meantime, clearly shows the effectiveness of initiatives that inspire people to walk and cycle for their everyday journeys. And they change lives for the better. As a result of the work of Travel Actively, two million people have been encouraged to increase their levels of physical activity in just four years. This is a huge achievement, and the leading walking, cycling and health organisations involved are testament to the extremely effective role the third sector plays in turning guidance into reality. At NICE we are now developing guidance on increasing levels of walking and cycling. We ll certainly be looking closely at all that can be learned from Travel Actively, because this consortium has brought closer the day when the majority of us will be able to choose to leave the car behind, and walk or cycle instead. Professor Mike Kelly Director of the Centre for Public Health Excellence at NICE 02

3 Foreword I am delighted to see that, over the last four years with very little fanfare but a great deal of hard work, a consortium of leading walking, cycling and health organisations has combined to encourage over two million people to be more physically active in their everyday lives. We particularly look forward to collaborating with the Travel Actively partners to enable people of all ages and all abilities to be more physically active through walking and cycling in the years to come It is very clear from the results achieved that this hands-on approach to tackling the physical activity deficit is very effective. The obesity crisis is estimated to cost the UK 20 billion in lost productivity annually, and it is vital for the public s health that government policy should be based on evidence of what works. Expert groups like those involved in Travel Actively provide that evidence, and are well placed to help governments understand how to use it best. Hand-in-hand with the effective, professional behaviour change work of these voluntary sector bodies, governments at all levels should switch transport investments towards making public space more walking and cycling friendly. Sometimes this means taking bold decisions. For example the impact of the ban on smoking in public spaces has shown clearly the benefits of firm and focused government action. The Faculty of Public Health has for years supported the wide introduction of 20mph speed limits as one of the many ways to make walking and cycling a realistic choice for far more people. Public health is all about that stitch in time that saves nine. Investment in enabling people to be physically active in their everyday lives and when it comes to active travel this means wiser use of public money, not more - will save much larger sums in the longer term. The new delivery system for public health presents challenges, but also the opportunity for all of us involved to have greater influence over the major determinants of health, among which transport and the built environment are pre-eminent. We particularly look forward to collaborating with the Travel Actively partners to enable people of all ages and all abilities to be more physically active through walking and cycling in the years to come. Professor Lindsey M Davies, CBE, FFPH, FRCP President of the Faculty of Public Health 03

4 More people more active Travel Actively has given two million people the practical support and encouragement they need to walk and cycle as part of their everyday lives. As a result more than 450,000 people became physically active enough to benefit their health and well-being. With a grant from the Big Lottery Fund, and funding from many local authorities and other partners, the charities involved in Travel Actively were able to increase levels of physical activity at a cost of less than 70 per person*, which compares well to other public health interventions. Sustrans swapping a car trip for an active trip Sustrans work in Exeter and Exminster resulted in big increases in levels of walking, cycling and public transport use. 2 people have been given the support to be more physically active 18% relative increase in walking, 33% increase in cycling and 13% increase in public transport use 19% relative increase in the time people spent walking and cycling a year 15% reduction in car distances travelled. Case study: In Exeter, Richard Gosney has started using a bike instead of the car for more of his local journeys. It was just really good timing it brought all the other possibilities to the forefront of my mind. If this hadn t happened I don t think I would be going to my evening computer course by bike. Richard has also noticed a significant improvement in his health, I suffer from asthma and when I took part in sports - and even when I started out cycling I found there was too much strain on my lungs, but the weight s come off as I ve done more cycling and breathing has become very easy it s been great! Living Streets pledging to be active Living Streets has been working with businesses across the UK to improve the health and well-being of their employees through its Walking Works project. 35% of people who made a Walking Works pledge before Living Streets began work were achieving the recommended levels of physical activity. After working with Living Streets, this increased significantly to 49% When asked how they felt after taking part 54% of people surveyed said I feel fitter and 50% said I feel more healthy. Case study: Before taking part in Walk to Work Week, Andrew travelled his 2.5 mile commute by public transport or drove. He did no regular exercise and described himself as overweight. Andrew admits that the idea of the programme unleashed his competitive nature and he walked to and from work every day, and went for walks at lunchtimes. Walking became part of his day-to-day life, and as a result his lifestyle and levels of physical activity have changed dramatically. Since I took part in Walk to Work Week, I ve lost three stone and feel great about myself. I will definitely do Walk to Work Week again, it has made such a difference to my life that I will always promote walking. 04 *Total cost of project delivery over four years ( 29.5m) divided by 450,000 more active people.

5 Walk England promoting walking online Over one million people have used the site since 2009 Over 150,000 miles have been walked by users so far, and 35,000 walks have been added 334 walking groups have been set up across England The Walk4Life app has been downloaded 5,000 times since March 2012 Case study: Walk4life.info has enabled Sunderland City Council to grow the benefits of their walking programmes and get Sunderland moving. Laura Bartlett is the council s Physical Activity Development Officer and has been using the website as a tool to promote and analyse walking levels in the Sunderland area. She says, The website is really easy for people to use, track their walking and log their progress. Our volunteer walk leaders have been encouraged to log their Walk4Life miles and preferred routes, so that others in the area can use them. Walk England have been able to give us information about how many people are using the local routes too. Sunderland City Council plans to continue use of the website as part of a new walking programme. Laura says, We hope to use the website to help plan our 2012 challenge events. People will be able to use the website to take part. Walk4life.info has reached over one million people 05

6 Improving mental health Travel Actively has worked with 485,000 people who have common mental health conditions. Over 98,000 have become more physically active. Projects tackled issues of social isolation and loneliness, encouraged learning and enabled people to make active travel choices and reach healthy levels of physical activity. All of these positive factors have improved the mental health and well-being of thousands of people. Ramblers making walking a part of everyday life This work has been recognised by the World Health Organisation and NHS Scotland as a leading example of physical activity promotion. Case study: Chris attends a mental health rehab centre and joined a Get Walking Keep Walking programme following a talk at the centre. Estimated number of people with common mental health conditions that Travel Actively has helped to walk and cycle more Before taking part in the programme, Chris did no regular exercise and would often miss appointments at the rehab centre. He went on to complete the 12 week programme and now enjoys going to the centre more regularly, which he puts down to the lift he gets from walking. He is keen to lead a regular walking group himself so that the centre can keep the activity going. This is the first time that I have volunteered for anything. The whole thing has had a really big impact on me, it s built my confidence and I feel better physically. I m also feeling a bit more relaxed and am sleeping better. 88% of people said their mental health improved after taking part CTC Community Cycle Champions 13 Community Cycling Champions schemes were delivered by CTC across England. Several of these worked alongside health organisations to successfully engage people with mental health problems. Case study: The CTC worked in Sheffield, supported by Occupational Therapists, with patients attending a local NHS hospital. One of the group s members, L, has complex mental health problems and was referred to the project last year. She has benefited enormously and has never missed a session since starting the programme. Although some people may say cycling round the park is hardly something to get excited about, for me it has truly opened a window of my life. The enjoyment of cycling in the park is made complete with the companionship of others who are also helped by these bike rides. Truly I am grateful to those who provide this service Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. 06

7 Sustrans - neighbourhood cycling and walking groups Sustrans has enabled 80,561 people to become more physically active through walking and cycling Using the World Health Organisation s tool for measuring health benefits, the value of these increased levels of cycling is 10.8 million over 10 years, and 13.6 million for walking Of the people Sustrans engaged with, an estimated 20,242 said they had common mental health conditions. 4,622 are now more active as a result of Sustrans work. Case study: Doreen Langstaff used to spend most days at home on her own, lonely and isolated, following the death of her husband, and suffered from depression. Her GP referred her to an NHS mental health drop-in centre where Doreen found out about Sustrans work in Ashington. Doreen joined Sustrans weekly cycle rides and is now one of the group s most enthusiastic members. She says that the group s camaraderie has given her back a sense of friendship. Everyone is so friendly. When we re out on the bike rides I m usually at the back of the group. But people at the front are always coming back to check that I m doing OK. I know people are looking out for me... I m no longer sat inside looking at four walls. I ve got a reason to get out of bed in the morning again. Doreen now uses a bike every day and is volunteering at bike maintenance sessions, which are open to the wider public, giving her a weekly routine and the chance to meet new people. 704,000 savings over the course of the project, if the physical activity of the participants were prescribed as an alternative treatment for common mental health problems. 07

8 Building better communities Travel Actively has worked in hundreds of communities across England to empower local people to help build happier and healthier neighbourhoods where more people walk and cycle. Projects have equipped local people with the tools they need to overcome the barriers that prevent them from walking and cycling, and have brought people from all ages and backgrounds together. London Cycling Campaign cycling for all abilities 3,697 people benefited overall, of whom 60% became more physically active Worked with communities in London to tackle a range of social issues. When people walk, they talk. It breaks down the barriers... so many people have made new friends. Case study: LCC worked with The Camden Society in North London to supply a range of adapted bikes for their All-Ability Bike Club. As a result people with learning difficulties in Camden and Southwark experienced cycling for the first time, and met fellow bike enthusiasts in their community. Three members went on to compete in the Virgin Active London Triathlon relay race. Andrew, Simon and Lucy competed as a team doing a leg each. Simon, who cycled 20km on a tricycle, said I am happy I have done it and Lucy, who swam 750m in the docklands, said the triathlon for me was a big achievement. Camden Society staff member, Nathalie Brossard was thrilled that they had the chance to take part. She said, It was great to see our athletes competing alongside everyone else. Living Streets reclaiming streets for walking Living Streets Fitter for Walking project has helped communities to improve their local environments and get more people out walking. Enabled 150 communities to reclaim their streets for walking Over 400,000 worth of street improvements were negotiated. Case study: In Thimblemill Brook, in the West Midlands, a group of residents worked together to redesign their street as an attractive and welcoming place for neighbours to walk, chat, meet and greet. Local resident Julie McKirdy, is thrilled with the changes. Living Streets has improved the quality of life in our community they ve helped us make the Brook a place where people enjoying walking. 08

9 Sustrans cycling the school run Before working with Sustrans, 70% of children never cycled to school. Now 44% are cycling to school at least once a week A quarter of family members now cycle compared to just a fifth who did before 50% of parents say their children now cycle for play more often since working with Sustrans. Case study: Sustrans ran a wide range of activities with the Pippins School in Birmingham to engage hundreds of children and encourage cycling to school, and to improve attendance. As headteacher Lucy Barnes, says, We have used incentives such as Bike Breakfasts, Bling my Bike days and Virtual Bike Rides to act as incentives to improve attendance of some members of the school community. Special events such as the stunt bike demonstration were organised for days of the week when attendance was typically lower. I would definitely recommend Sustrans work to other headteachers. Living Streets walking to school and beyond 335,000 secondary school students from 355 schools across England took part in a walking challenge The challenge achieved an average 5% increase in walking, although some schools saw an amazing 25% increase. As a teacher in a participating school in South Tyneside says: The results were very impressive. The initiative was very well organised and easy to follow. I would definitely do it again. We get literally dozens of offers to do certain things on a weekly basis but this is by far and away the best one. 09

10 Caroline Waugh A road accident in 1988 left Caroline Waugh with a severe brain injury affecting her mobility and eyesight. She became overly reliant on others. I was wrapped up in cotton wool. My ex husband used to collect the children from school, do the shopping and run me everywhere in the car. I was very dependent on him. After she and her husband separated, Caroline started using a mobility scooter but she was desperate for an alternative. I consider myself to be quite young at heart but there I was riding a silver mobility scooter. It was making me put on more weight but I couldn t get to the gym because it was too far away and the battery would go flat. I looked on the internet at the cheapest tricycle but I just wanted to borrow one, to see if I could do it in the first place. A local disability support group put Caroline in touch with a Travel Actively project run by the CTC. She completed the project s 12 week programme and learnt how to ride a recumbent trike. It introduced me to such fantastic and enthusiastic people. It was so friendly, inclusive and motivational. Caroline went on to purchase her own trike and now uses it every day. She has seen a dramatic change in her health, well-being and levels of independence. I used to go to the doctors once a month. After two years of cycling they sent for me because I hadn t been at all. I dropped three dress sizes when I first started. When I ve run out of milk at home I can go and fetch it myself which is so empowering for me. Caroline is now a Community Health Champion and regular volunteer for the CTC. She works tirelessly to encourage and support other people with disabilities to cycle their way to a happier, healthier lifestyle and gain independent mobility. She says, I love seeing the good that happens when you manage to get other disabled people cycling. In recognition of her achievements, Caroline attended the Queen s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. She was also a regional winner of ITV s Feel Good Factor award which recognises people who inspire others into more active, healthier lifestyles. In 2012 Caroline joined 4,000 other inspirational people in carrying the Olympic Flame as a Torch Bearer for the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. Nominated for her community work, Caroline feels that grassroots projects are improving people s health and well-being. Mine is a true story and something people can relate to. Now I m going out and reaching out to other people projects like this make a difference. 10

11 A lasting legacy Travel Actively has left a lasting legacy in communities across England. By inspiring and motivating two million people to walk and cycle, projects have brought lasting change to the 450,000 people who have become more physically active. Thanks to the Big Lottery Fund work is ongoing in several communities, and Walk England will continue to offer walking information and support online, to ensure a truly lasting legacy. In addition 4,000 people volunteered to support projects in the portfolio, and hundreds have gone on to champion everyday walking and cycling in their local community. They are helping to build a future where more people choose to walk and cycle for the benefit of their health and well-being and are ensuring that the legacy of this work continues for generations to come. 1. CTC CTC s work has given over 66,500 people the opportunity to experience the benefits of cycling. Ensuring that this vital work continues is a network of dedicated CTC volunteers. Many of these volunteers benefited from the projects themselves before taking the challenge to become volunteers and local ride leaders. Steven became a volunteer after joining the CTC s project in East Hampshire. He says, this experience has given me the confidence to work as a leader to inspire others to cycle. If you would like to work with CTC, contact info@ctc.org.uk 2. Ramblers It is estimated that in total over 28,000 hours have been given by volunteers to the Ramblers Get Walking Keep Walking project. Volunteers have established new Ramblers groups, developed local walking routes, and become walk leaders in their communities. In Manchester, a Ramblers group developed a 40 mile Green Corridor around the City of Manchester for the City Council. In April 2012, Ramblers were chosen as the new host of the national centre of England s health walks network, Walking for Health. Many participants and volunteers are now involved, ensuring a lasting legacy for this work. North England Midlands 4. Living Streets More people more active In neighbourhoods where Living Streets works, communities benefit from a lasting legacy of higher levels of physical activity and increased social cohesion. 86% of Living Streets Fitter for Walking projects resulted in more pedestrians walking in the area. 78% of individuals who signed up reported an increase in their day-to-day walking levels with 64% of these people still reporting an increase in walking six months later, demonstrating long-term impact. Living Streets work brings communities together and empowers local residents to transform their streets into safer, more enjoyable places. Mark Flannery, a Police Community Support Officer working in Hall i th Wood in Bolton says, The area has changed a lot as a result of the projects like this, they really work. If you would like to work with Living Streets, contact jack.skillen@livingstreets.org.uk 5. Walk England Walk England has redefined the way in which people can access free, online information about walking. The Walk4Life website proactively targets people who are disengaged with other walking programmes. The success of this is demonstrated by evidence that 25% of registered users report that they have a disability that affects their mobility for everyday activities, well above the national average of 18%. This work has so far reached one million people and has inspired thousands to walk more regularly. At least 5,000 new walks are added to the site each month. Currently the website has over 15,000 registered users and these numbers are growing daily. If you are interested in working with Walk England contact info@walkengland.org.uk If you would like to work with Ramblers, contact info@ramblers.org.uk 3. Sustrans Sustrans work with children in schools gives them the skills and confidence to travel under their own steam and their parents and teachers the peace of mind to let them. By linking cycling to the school curriculum and providing training for teachers and parents so they can continue to champion cycling activities themselves, healthy, active travel becomes embedded in the school s culture. This is supported by Sustrans School Mark that continues to inspire schools to encourage cycling long after our officer has left. Local authorities agree. Savio DeCruz, Slough Borough Council s Team Leader for Safety and Integrated Transport, says, I was at first sceptical that any improvements could be made but schools who have committed to Sustrans programme have seen an increase in levels of cycling even after officers have left. If you would like to work with Sustrans, contact info@sustrans.org.uk 3 South West England 5 1 projects delivered by the consortium up to 2012 projects that continue to be delivered by the consortium South East England East England 6. London Cycling Campaign LCC works to successfully administrate grants and provide thousands of hours of free guidance to support community groups across London, helping people to experience the benefits of cycling. The in-house training that many projects have benefitted from ensures a lasting legacy by enabling organisations to continue to provide cycling and cycling activities beyond the funding period and pass their skills on to other people in the future. If you are interested in working with London Cycling Campaign, contact grants@lcc.org.uk 12

12 More people more active Led by Sustrans, the consortium includes: How two million people were engaged in being more physically active in just four years Thanks from us all in the Active Travel Consortium to the many local authorities, London Boroughs, the Primary Care Trusts, public transport operators, Transport for London and the Department of Health who partnered with us to make all that we achieved possible. volunteers have given their time to Travel Actively projects Contact us Travel Actively, 2 Cathedral Square, College Green, Bristol, BS1 5DD Web: Photo credits Cover and Back: J Bewley / Sustrans Staff Dave Charnley Photography London Cycling Campaign p. 8: Julia Bayne p.10: Andy Brown for the Sheffield Well-being Consortium All other photos: J Bewley / Sustrans Staff ST2406 Sustrans Travel Actively 6pg Cover.indd Active Travel Consortium A consortium of leading walking, cycling and health charities 20/09/ :27

13 More people more active Led by Sustrans, the consortium includes: How two million people were engaged in being more physically active in just four years Thanks from us all in the Active Travel Consortium to the many local authorities, London Boroughs, the Primary Care Trusts, public transport operators, Transport for London and the Department of Health who partnered with us to make all that we achieved possible. volunteers have given their time to Travel Actively projects Contact us Travel Actively, 2 Cathedral Square, College Green, Bristol, BS1 5DD Web: Photo credits Cover and Back: J Bewley / Sustrans Staff Dave Charnley Photography London Cycling Campaign p. 8: Julia Bayne p.10: Andy Brown for the Sheffield Well-being Consortium All other photos: J Bewley / Sustrans Staff ST2406 Sustrans Travel Actively 6pg Cover.indd Active Travel Consortium A consortium of leading walking, cycling and health charities 20/09/ :27