People in poorer areas doing less exercise in lockdown

PEOPLE in poorer communities in Wales are doing less exercise during lockdown than those in more affluent areas, according to a new survey.

The Sports Wales research found 39% of adults from better-off backgrounds are doing more activity, compared to 32% doing less.

In adults from worse-off areas, only 29% are more active during lockdown and 33% are less.

Just 23% of parents from more deprived areas say their children are doing more, with 36% reporting that they are doing less.

The survey is featured in a report by the Welsh Parliament’s Culture,

Welsh Language and Communications Committee.

Helen Mary Jones MS, acting chairwoman of the committee, said: “Like so many other sectors and communities, sport has been decimated by coronavirus and the measures governments have had to take to slow its spread and protect lives. We give credit to both the UK and Welsh Governments for encouraging some form of exercise during lockdown as it is recognition of the importance and benefit activities can have on both physical and mental health and wellbeing.

“The contrast in exercise levels between communities is deeply concerning and we must guard against this gap growing, or lack of exercise becoming a habit.

“We urge the Welsh Government to address this issue as part of its recovery plan and to work with local authorities in providing adequate support to ensure the survival of leisure trusts and community clubs across the country.”

The committee has made six recommendations to the Welsh Government in its report.

These include calling for its recovery plan and financial support for the sector to tackle the “widening gap” in physical activity between demographic groups.

The Welsh Government should work with local authorities to consider the level of support available for community clubs and leisure trusts, and be prepared to extend this to ensure their survival, it says.

Guidance should also be developed with sport governing bodies and facility providers “as soon as possible” on mass gatherings for sporting events, the committee adds.

All sport was cancelled across Wales at the start of lockdown, with some outdoor sports areas such as tennis courts and athletics tracks being allowed to reopen only recently.

The Welsh Government will now consider the committee’s findings.