About County durham sport
County Durham Sport: Promoting Physical Activity and Equality in County Durham
County Durham Sport is a non-profit organization that aims to promote physical activity and equality in County Durham. As part of a network of 43 Active Partnerships across England, it is funded by Sport England and supported by the Active Partnership Network. The organization recognizes that patterns of physical activity in County Durham are affected by inequality – in health, wealth, and access to services.
The mission of County Durham Sport is to create opportunities for people to be physically active regardless of their background or circumstances. The organization believes that physical activity can improve people's health, well-being, and quality of life. It also recognizes the social benefits of physical activity such as building stronger communities, reducing crime rates, and improving educational outcomes.
County Durham Sport works with a wide range of partners including local authorities, schools, sports clubs, community groups, businesses, and healthcare providers. Its approach is collaborative and inclusive – it seeks to involve everyone who has an interest in promoting physical activity in County Durham.
One key area of focus for County Durham Sport is tackling inequalities in participation rates. The organization recognizes that some groups are less likely to be physically active than others due to factors such as poverty or disability. To address this issue, it works with partners to develop targeted interventions that meet the needs of specific groups.
For example:
- In partnership with local authorities and schools, County Durham Sport has developed programs aimed at increasing participation among children from low-income families.
- It has also worked with disability organizations to develop inclusive sports programs that cater for people with different abilities.
- In collaboration with healthcare providers such as GP practices and hospitals, it has developed referral schemes aimed at getting inactive patients more physically active.
Another key area of focus for County Durham Sport is developing the infrastructure needed to support physical activity. This includes facilities such as parks & green spaces; cycle paths & walking routes; sports clubs & leisure centers; and community spaces. The organization works with partners to identify gaps in provision and develop plans to address them.
For example:
- In partnership with local authorities, County Durham Sport has developed a strategy for improving the quality of parks & green spaces in the area.
- It has also worked with cycling groups to develop a network of cycle paths that connect different parts of County Durham.
- In collaboration with sports clubs and leisure centers, it has developed plans for upgrading facilities and increasing participation rates.
County Durham Sport is committed to using evidence-based approaches to promote physical activity. It regularly collects data on participation rates, barriers to participation, and the impact of its interventions. This information is used to inform decision-making and improve the effectiveness of its programs.
In conclusion, County Durham Sport is an organization that plays a vital role in promoting physical activity and equality in County Durham. Its collaborative approach, targeted interventions, and evidence-based approach make it an effective partner for anyone who wants to improve physical activity levels in their community. By working together with partners from across sectors, we can create a healthier, more active County Durham where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.