We call on the UK Government to: Ensure young people’s participation in world-class physical activities: With childhood obesity levels projected to rise to 40% by 2020, encouraging children to be active is essential to achieving our vision and is a key part of the preventative healthcare agenda. A key legacy for the 2012 Olympic Games is to inspire children and young people to participate in sport and physical activity. Achieving this legacy depends on community-based provision of high quality, yet affordable activities.
Recognise health outcomes can be delivered through integrated services: Physical activity is an integrated component of many of our activities and services. We call upon the government to recognise that there are many ways to become more active, and increased access should be given to those groups who are often excluded from it. The government should develop a commissioning environment that supports health outcomes by providing physical activity in early-years education, youth services, and supported accommodation.
Recognise physical activity as a key element of preventative healthcare: The increasing prevalence of chronic conditions including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and mental illness, together with an ageing population, presents a real need to encourage people to build activity into their daily lives. And with the cost of physical inactivity at an estimated £8.3bn per year*, this approach has considerable potential to impact positively on national and personal wealth. In recognition of this, and in line with a policy shift from cure to prevention, the YMCA is working with the NHS and other providers to deliver physical activity programmes for those with or at risk from chronic conditions. This enables us to provide expert local programmes that deliver on the lifestyle elements for the NHS’s Health Checks.
The YMCA works extensively with children and young people both inside and outside of school In school, the YMCA is key delivery partner in providing school PE lessons, clubs and play schemes – part of the 5 hours per week target Outside of school, the YMCA works to channel energy and spare time into positive activities that engage and inspire young people The YMCA’s inclusive approach engages a broad cross-section of the community, including hard to reach groups, disabled young people and carers
*DWP, The Black Review (2009) YMCA Manifesto for the General Election 2010
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