03 Mar Developing a Borough Wide Health Promoting Sports Clubs Network – Wigan Case Study
Network Brings Together Professional and Amateur Clubs to Improve Health
Over the last 3 years, Healthy Stadia and colleagues from the Health Equalities Group have been commissioned by the NHS in North West England to develop and coordinate a highly successfull Healthy Sports Clubs Network at borough level across Ashton, Leigh and Wigan.
Amateur and professional sports clubs alike can contribute significantly to the heath and wellbeing agenda, not only in terms of the sports and physical activity opportunities they provide, but also their unique ability to work with closely with local communities, and engage young people to help raise levels of health literacy and promote behaviour change.
Healthy Stadia has worked directly with clubs, stadia and local public health teams over three years, with the Network acting as a support mechanism for all members and stakeholders, offering: benchmarking tools, policy guidance, technical support, case studies of good practice and signposting to local services. The main aim of the Network has been to:
- Help clubs to develop policies that support healthier lifestyle choices
- Engage sports clubs in supporting and promoting the health of their local communities
- Develop partnerships between clubs and local service providers to make more local services accessible for their members
- Promote the excellent work and contributions of local clubs in supporting health and wellbeing
The Network has gained membership of over 40 sports clubs in 3 years, with many of these clubs undertaking a benchmarking assessment process which has then been followed up with a bespoke Healthy Stadia Action Plan. With a website developed to offer remote support and guidance to member clubs, regular e-bulletins and a host of events – including workshops, conferences, and stakeholder meetings – it is estimated that the Network has engaged 11% of the local population over 3 years. For a full overview of achievements and progress over the Network’s 3 year period, please consult the summary document in the Downloads area below.
Can we assist you?
If your sports club, sports organisation or public health team are interested in speaking to us about the work we have developed across Wigan, and how we can develop a similar Network with clubs in your own area, we would be very happy to discuss this in further detail. In the first instance, please contact us at:
E: info@healthystadia.eu T: 0151 237 2686
Downloads
Healthy_Sports_Clubs_Network.pdf
