Derbyshire County Council, Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, Councillor Carol Hart said:

“We’re pleased to award this funding and continue our investment in Active Derbyshire to encourage local residents to get more involved in physical activity across the county.

“The benefits of an active lifestyle shouldn’t be underestimated. Physical activity can help treat and prevent diseases and improve the health of those with chronic conditions.”

A report by Sport England has found that during the coronavirus crisis there has been a change in attitudes towards physical activity.

The report highlighted how the government’s guidance around daily exercise had a positive effect with 53% of adults agreeing that they had been encouraged to exercise during the pandemic. In addition 44% of adults took part in online fitness classes or did their own workouts at home.

Councillor Hart added:

“The coronavirus pandemic has created a window of opportunity to engage with our communities and promote the benefits of physical activity.

“Despite rules on social distancing and self-isolation, there appears to be a new appetite for exercise across the country whether that’s walking, cycling or jogging.

“This new funding can help build on that participation right here in Derbyshire by making use of the fantastic outdoor spaces we have on our doorstep.”

Since February 2018 Active Derbyshire, through Derbyshire County Council’s funding, has delivered a number of physical activity initiatives including:

• Providing strategic leadership across the county and working with key partners to establish physical activity sub groups of locality health and wellbeing partnerships
• Supporting our Physical Activity and Sports Action Grants programme
• Making physical activity and exercise daily practice in Derbyshire schools including encouraging a-mile-a-day type activities, and promoting active travel to schools.