Sport England recently published the results of the latest Active Lives Children and Young People’s Survey, aiming to understand how active children and young people across the country are. The survey’s definitions are based on the UK Medical Officer’s recommendation that children should average 60 minutes of physical activity per day to maintain good health. Therefore, the survey defines ‘active’ as meeting the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity and ‘less active’ as less than 30 minutes of physical activity per day.
At Rise, working together with partners and communities, we aim to reduce physical inactivity – as evidence indicates physical activity has a positive impact on children’s wellbeing and can support their self-esteem, cognitive development, academic performance and overall physical health.
The latest survey results indicate mixed findings regarding the physical activity levels among 5–16 year olds across Northumberland and Tyne & Wear (data isn’t available for County Durham in 2024-25).
Positives
- North Tyneside and Northumberland have lower rates of less active children than is the case nationally.
- In Gateshead, North Tyneside and Sunderland the rates of less active children have trended downwards between 2017 and 2025.
- A greater portion of children are ‘active’ in North Tyneside, Northumberland and Sunderland than nationally in 2024-25
Challenges
- Rates of less active children are higher in Gateshead, Newcastle, South Tyneside and Sunderland than nationally.
- The number of less active children have trended upwards in Newcastle, Northumberland and South Tyneside between 2017-2025.
Read our in-depth analysis of data from the Children & Young People’s Active Lives Survey 2024-25.
We’re passionate about the transformative role that movement can play in making a difference to the communities that need it most, including young people. Our place-based work in areas across the region will enable us to target areas where children are relatively less active.
Our recently refreshed strategy is designed to help build on the positive progress already made, enabling our region to rise together.
If you’d like to collaborate and help us catalyse change, or just want a chat, get in
touch.
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