NIHR ARC West, November 2020
Barton and Tredworth is a diverse, multi-cultural ward within Gloucester (population 11 000). It is also one of the most deprived wards in Gloucestershire, and as such, is thought to have low levels of physical activity. In 2018, Active Gloucestershire received funding from SportEngland to conduct place-based community building work within Barton and Tredworth. The aim was to work alongside local residents to change behaviours and reduce the levels of physical inactivity through a “test and learn” approach.
In July 2018, following a period of asset mapping and community engagement work, Active Gloucestershire co-ordinated a multi-stakeholder event, “Joining the Dots”, which aimed to better understand the local system and identify physical activity priorities in Barton and Tredworth. Physical inactivity amongst women, particularly BAME women, was identified as a key priority. Following a call out via local organisations and residents, a group of local women formed a steering group which then drove a range of actions aimed at increasing physical activity opportunities for local women.
Executive Summary
The REM output included many of the wider impacts associated with the work in Barton and Tredworth, predominantly that led by the women’s steering group.
From July 2018 until May 2020, the REM output demonstrates that the impact of the Barton and Tredworth project has grown over time. The work engaged approximately 30 local and national organisations (from a range of sectors), with specific activities being delivered to some 238 women (minimum). The steering group organised an array of physical activity opportunities for local women, many of which were of a BAME background. These opportunities included introductory running groups, climbing, inflatable obstacle courses, bicycle training, community fitness classes, and dedicated classes for women over the age of 65. Most of these opportunities were well attended, and demonstrated the local demand for such services.
On several occasions, the steering group influenced local organisations with regards to their provision of services for women of a BAME background. For example, they worked with a local leisure provider to set up female-only badminton classes. Similarly, several members of the steering group were involved in organising multi-faith events which focused on physical activity. Over time, more organisations approached Active Gloucestershire (as the main connection through to the steering group) to volunteer their resources to the project. Schools and community hubs were forthcoming with their venues to provide space for physical activity opportunities or in-kind gifts as they saw the mutual benefit of connecting projects together. Towards the end of the evaluation period, the project was beginning to link in with system leaders across Gloucestershire, and also, was sharing learning with national partners such as SportEngland via a secondment position. It does appear that an organisation such as Active Gloucestershire is required to facilitate a community building initiative such as this, however their involvement appears to lessen over time.
This project demonstrates that it is possible for a community-building initiative to achieve its aims.
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