78. Yorkshire Sport Foundation: Sport and Physical Activity Matters
Kada Research were commissioned by the Yorkshire Sport Foundation to explore the social and economic benefits of sport, movement and physical activity in South and West Yorkshire, and how sport and physical activity can help to meet sub-regional priorities. The place-based advocacy documents highlight the importance of investment in sport and physical activity initiatives at both a regional and community level.
A desk review of localised, sub-regional context was undertaken for both South and West Yorkshire, highlighting the health, wellbeing and future of sport and physical activity in the area. These place-based reviews were further supported by wider policy surrounding health, sport and participation and academic research. The merits of sport and physical activity and general attitudes towards engagement were detailed.
Consultations with local leaders and experts in the field of health, wellbeing and physical activity were undertaken. These consultees provided valuable insights into challenges faced in the sub-region, how challenges can be addressed through sport and physical activity, and examples of sport and physical activity being used to make a positive difference within local communities. Kada also provided estimates for the economic and wellbeing benefits of engagement in sport and physical activity.
The report concluded that sport and physical activity have tangible health and wellbeing benefits, such as a reduction in loneliness and mental ill health, a reduction in disease and age-related decline, and an improvement in social cohesion and trust. Sport and physical activity was also found to have a significant positive impact on local economies’, providing upwards of £380m GVA in South Yorkshire and £830m GVA in West Yorkshire.
Karl Dalgleish, Kada’s Study Director outlined:
“As a director of a tennis community interest company in Sheffield I am passionate about the role that sport, and physical activity can play in transforming health and well-being outcomes. It can also help with placemaking and a range of other areas including economic development. These advocacy documents drew on our experience of quantifying social value and assessing impacts and involved the collation of a range of credible evidence sources. It then aligned the findings with the Combined Authority ambitions for both South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire. Each advocacy document made strategic recommendations on how physical, mental and well-being benefits could be maximised in the context of economic ambitions for good growth.”
If you are thinking about commissioning a health and wellbeing research study or if you would like to talk through an idea or to hear more about this work, you can contact us at info@kadaresearch.co.uk
