Moving Forward
Moving Forward aims to help communities become healthier, thrive within our region, and grow our economy.
£7 million is being invested into four key areas:
We are working with regional experts and partners to improve people’s wellbeing and to empower and strengthen communities, which will in turn have a positive impact on our regional economy. By working together under one ambition, we have a bigger voice.
We will continue to explore additional ideas to overcome the challenges raised above and expect to develop further programmes in the future.
“The health and wellbeing of our communities must be at the heart of everything we do and it’s something that I’ve prioritised since day one.
It’s the foundation we can build on and while it is a challenge, it is one that I am determined to take on.”
– Mayor David Skaith
Active Travel
Encouraging active travel is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce transport-related carbon, decrease congestion, deliver health and wellbeing benefits, address inequalities in society, and support local economies.
To achieve this, we will invest in giving people the skills to cycle safely, provide funding to expand the number of schools streets and 20mph zones, invest in infrastructure and safe cycle storage.
Every £1 spent on active travel infrastructure returns an average of £5.62 in economic benefits, compared to just £2.50 for road infrastructure
Movement, Activity and Sport
We are looking to get more people moving by going from nothing to something.
The Movement, Activity and Sport Fund will allow people across the region to enjoy sport in the way that he has been able to, with fewer barriers thanks to the programme.
We’ll target investment to support more women and girls to take part in movement, activity and sport, remove barriers for disabled people by supporting inclusive activities, tackle isolation, and enhance skills development and training in the sector.
Over 30% of adults in York and North Yorkshire are classified as physically inactive
Men’s Mental Health
Shaping how we see and talk about men’s mental wellbeing in York and North Yorkshire to build a more supportive and mentally healthy region. Developing an understanding of current local mental health support available for men, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing new or enhanced services is an urgent need.
Our plans include a four-phase approach including assessing the access and gaps in male mental health services, a behaviour change campaign, a pilot for men’s mental health in the workplace, and a subsequent grant funding programme which is responsive to needs.
42% of North Yorkshire-based farmers surveyed had experience stress and anxiety and another 31% experienced sleep problems
Connected to the Outdoors
By opening access to nature and community activities, green social prescribing helps people feel healthier, more connected, and less alone – particularly those most at risk of isolation.
The scheme will span across the two National Parks and two of the National Landscapes in the region, plus work alongside existing social prescribers.
Initial plans for the programme show a phased progression plan, including initial engagement (simple tasks that people can complete independently at home or in local surroundings such as parks), community interaction (such as community gardening groups or local walking schemes), and broader engagement (such as activities with the National Parks and Landscapes where appropriate).
Studies suggest that social prescribing schemes can deliver between £2.14 and £8.56 in social and economic value for every £1 invested
