Physical Activity

2012 Legacy Action Plan

Launched in July 2008, the 2012 Legacy Action Plan aims to get two million people in the UK more active by 2012. The plan is to ensure a lasting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic Games. Among the key actions are an incentive scheme to offer subsidised gym classes to 16 to 22 year-olds, and an ‘Inspire Mark’ to reward non-commercial projects for their commitment to the 2012 Legacy.

 Sport Unlimited

A three-year programme running until 2012, Sport Unlimited offers 11 to 19 year-olds 10-week taster sessions in various sports. It aims to get 300,000 participants to join clubs and to keep doing sport when the 10 weeks are over. The programme is run by Sport England (SE) in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust and County Sports Partnerships across England.

Free Swimming Programme and Free Swimming Capital Modernisation Programme (SCMP)

The SCMP Government programme aims to encourage local authorities in England to provide free swimming for those aged 60 or over and those aged 16 or under. The funding for the Free Swimming scheme is initially for two years only to cover the period April 2009 – March 2011. As part of this scheme, the Free Swimming Capital Modernisation Programme (SCMP) has been launched to enhance and modernise public swimming facilities. The programme is a partnership between the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), Sport England (SE), the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) and the Local Government Association (LGA). 

Health Trainers Initiative

Health Trainers are a new accredited role developed by the Department of Health to improve the health of disadvantaged people and reduce health inequalities. Health Trainers are recruited from the community. They are trained to use behavioural change techniques to help people adopt healthier behaviours. This initiative is targeted at people who have been harder to reach with other health services.