Chair backs new government campaign to keep families active

Our chair has welcomed the government’s new ‘Let’s Move!’ campaign aiming to help keep families active together all year round.

The campaign makes staying active easy and affordable, offering ideas for sport, play and everyday movement – from kitchen discos to local activities and playground fun.

It features real families getting active together in ways which suit them, with their images used in out-of-home advertising in their own communities, as well as on social media channels.

Families will be driven to nhs.uk/letsmove, which features tips, inspiration and local activities.

And our chair, Chris Boardman, has backed the campaign.

“Helping children discover the joy of movement isn’t just good for their health, happiness, and confidence - it’s one of the smartest investments in their future, and in the nation’s,” he said.

“Active kids grow into active adults, easing pressure on the NHS and strengthening the economy.

“Everyone wins and it can start with something as simple as a ten-minute dance in the living room or a quick bike ride."
 

Let’s Move has been backed by Olympic medal-winning gymnasts Beth Tweddle and Max Whitlock, as well as The Body Coach, Joe Wicks, and Parenthood stars Olivia and Alex Bowen.

The campaign was launched alongside new research that shows more than half of parents expect their children’s activity levels to decline in autumn and winter, while 81% of parents underestimated how much physical activity children need.

Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock said the campaign, which is in addition to a wider £900 million commitment to build grassroots facilities in the places that need them most, illustrates the government's efforts to break down barriers to physical activity for people all over the country.

“Building a more active nation is a huge part of this Government’s Plan for Change and we want to show families all over the country just how many ways there are to get involved,” she said.

“Whether it’s dancing, playing team sport or playing in the playground with their friends, we know that children who get at least an hour of exercise a day experience so many benefits - they’re happier, healthier and focus better at school.

"I am determined that every child, whatever their circumstances, should have those opportunities.”