Evidence of Need
It is widely known that economic inequality is a major drive of health inequalities. For example, for children living in the most deprived areas of England, obesity prevalence is twice as high compared to those living in the least deprived areas.
In a global study across seven countries, it was found that children from high-income households spend more time playing sport each week compared to those from low or medium income families. Therefore, it is likely that the cost-of-living crisis may have a negative impact on activity levels for young people from low affluent families.
NHS Digital data shows that more than 1 in 4 children aged 8 to 16 years old with a probable mental health disorder in England had a parent who could not afford for their child to take part in activities outside of school or college compared to 1 in 10 of those unlikely to have a mental health disorder.
Did you know?
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Impact to Date
Sport outside of school often has significant costs (clubs, kit, lessons, travel). This is a serious barrier, and one that is growing due to the ongoing impact of the cost-of-living crisis. Conversely, physical activity and sport provided at school is free and available to all. Crucially, the impact of it on wellbeing is almost double for those children who are disabled and/or receiving Free School Meals (FSM) than for those who are not.
Through our recent research we know that the benefits of physical activity is greater for those young people who most need access to free school sport provision. Tim Hollingsworth, CEO of Sport England, reiterated this, saying: "For too long, people with the most to gain from being active have been the least able to take part."
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