Health and Physical Activity Manager

Physical inactivity is a significant and increasing public health problem. There are few public health initiatives that have a greater potential for improving health and well being than increasing activity levels of the population. The government target is for 70% of the population to achieve the recommended levels of physical activity to remain healthy by 2020.

Tameside now has an Improving Health Through Physical Activity Strategy which has been developed to encourage more local people to increase their levels of physical activity, with a view to improving individuals' health, well being and quality of life and collectively, maintaining healthy communities across the Borough of Tameside. Whilst the majority of people would benefit from being more active the strategy focuses on four target groups:

• Females 13+
• 50+
• Individuals with Chronic Health Issues
• Vulnerable Communities

The Improving Health through Physical Activity Strategy has been driven forward by the Health and Physical Activities Manager who is working in partnership with the Tameside and Glossop Primary Care Trust, the Children's and Young People service of the council, the local School Sports Partnership, the Tameside Sports Trust and many others.

The Improving Health Through Physical Activity Strategy has been informed by national and local policy, along with research into current provision for physical activity across the borough and a needs assessment through consultation with leisure and health professionals and members of Tameside communities.

The Health and Physical Activities Manager is now working to establish a network of accessible and sustainable physical activity opportunities throughout Tameside which can be easily accessed and affordable to encourage local people to undertake physical activities to help improve their health and well being.