How Edinburgh Leisure Champions Physical Activity to Combat Poverty and Inequality
Poverty in Edinburgh
Despite being one of the wealthiest cities in the UK, Edinburgh faces significant inequality, with around 20% of its population living in poverty, many within working households.
Poverty and poor health are inextricably linked, with people on low incomes more likely to live with multiple long-term health conditions, experience poor mental health, and have a lower life expectancy. This is demonstrated by the fact that a boy born in the New Town will live, on average, 21 years longer than a boy born in Niddrie.
The benefits of physical activity
Regular physical activity offers many benefits, improving physical and mental health, reducing social isolation, and enhancing self-esteem and confidence. However, individuals living in poverty often face barriers to taking part in physical activity, including costs, lack of confidence, limited opportunities, and time constraints. These barriers make it difficult for people living on a low income to meet the recommended levels of physical activity, which are crucial for maintaining health and wellbeing.
How Edinburgh Leisure supports people affected by poverty to be active
Edinburgh Leisure addresses these challenges through its Active Communities Programme, which aims to make physical activity accessible to everyone, especially those affected by poverty and health inequalities. Each year, they support around 12,000 people to overcome barriers, get active and improve their health and wellbeing. This support includes over 20 health and wellbeing projects specifically designed to tackle these barriers.
Cost is a significant obstacle for people living on a low-income, and Edinburgh Leisure offers several affordable solutions to help people get active. For instance, their £10 Get Active Monthly Pass provides off-peak access to gyms, fitness classes, and swimming for benefit recipients. Their Community Access Programme offers discounted access to activities at just £1 per visit in collaboration with over 200 charities and community groups. Additionally, their junior memberships and free access for unpaid carers ensure that everyone can stay active.
The impact of these programs is significant, with participants reporting improved mental wellbeing, increased physical activity, better social connections, and overall enhanced quality of life.
Edinburgh Leisure aims to expand its reach, supporting an additional 25,000 people by 2025 through increased funding, collaboration with partners, and targeted marketing campaigns.
To achieve these goals, Edinburgh Leisure needs support from the community.
Help them to challenge poverty by:
- Connecting: There will be people in your community that are experiencing poverty or health inequalities that don’t know about the help and support Edinburgh Leisure can give them to lead healthy active lives. Please let them know about the organisation’s Get Active Card, which offers people living on a low-income off-peak access to Edinburgh Leisure facilities for only £10 per month.
- Volunteering: Join them as a volunteer to support more people experiencing poverty and inequalities to enjoy the life-changing benefits of living an active and healthy lifestyle.
- Supporting: Make physical activity and wellbeing a priority for the people in your community by donating to their Active Communities programme.
Edinburgh Leisure is a Scottish charity, SC027450, regulated by the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).
