Our ‘Somerset Moves’ strategy is our system wide strategy, setting out what we need to do in Somerset to get people moving more for their health and wellbeing, by building activity and more movement into daily life. Helping people move a little more, making it easier for them to be active, to take part in sport, and making physical activity a natural part of how we all live, travel, work, and play in Somerset.
We are all designed to move. But our modern world has evolved to keep the majority of us still.
Physical activity and sport contribute to both our physical and mental wellbeing, our social and community development, and our economic and individual development1. Activity and moving more are key to improving lives.
Physical health and wellbeing.
Making activity and movement part our everyday lives will help us live happier and healthier lives, enable our communities, places, and economy to thrive, and will contribute towards a more sustainable county.
When we’re young, being active helps our body develop properly2, with a strong heart, healthy bones, muscles, and brain development. It also helps us connect to people and places we live. As we get older, regular exercise that raises our heart rate a little reduces the risk of physical and mental illness – from heart disease, strokes, colon cancers to obesity and osteoporosis as well as depression, forms of dementia and anxiety among other conditions.
Mental health and wellbeing
Greater self-esteem. Increased confidence. Reduced anxiety. Movement, sport, and physical activity are proven to make us feel good.
The evidence shows that people who get active have greater levels of happiness, life satisfaction and feeling worthwhile.
Social and community development
Activity and sport have an incredible ability to bring together people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds in the places we live, reducing social isolation and building a sense of pride and belonging.
Economic development
£1 spent on community sport and physical activity generates nearly £4 for society and the economy.
Individual development
From a young age, being involved in activity and sport equips us with essential life skills, from self-control to teamwork, conflict resolution to leadership6. There’s a proven link between taking part in physical activity and improved job opportunities, including young people not in education, employment or training.
Environmental sustainability
The government declared a climate emergency in 2019, setting a net-zero carbon target by 2050. This has seen an acceleration in the work to reduce our carbon footprint, as we effectively respond to climate change, create sustainable communities and drive industry innovation across the sector.
Sustainability and new green technology are playing a key role in the design and management of sports recreation and leisure facilities. Promoting sustainability can help drive down running costs and make a real contribution in the battle against climate change. The need to raise awareness, find solutions and build in resilience are an ever more pressing matter.