Give us your feedback to help keep communities moving

Wokingham Borough Council would like to hear residents’ views about how they keep active and the opportunities available in their area, no matter how much physical activity they take part in.

Physical activity has benefits for people’s health, body and mind, as well as being a chance to socialise. The Moving Communities survey will help the council to better understand people’s views about physical activity, including what challenges they face in getting moving and staying physically active.

Responses will be used to help the council identify any gaps that exist in the borough. The council wants to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to get more active and stay active across the borough.

The short survey, which is being run in conjunction with Sport England, will open on Monday 23 September and run until Monday 21 October, with all responses kept anonymous.

Helping everyone to meet their goals

Cllr David Hare, executive member for adult services, health and wellbeing, said: “Ensuring that all our residents are able to keep fit and healthy is crucial. We are proud that Wokingham Borough is already regarded as one of the healthiest places to live in the country, with lots of parks and open spaces to exercise regularly.

"However, we are aware that there are challenges for some people that make it difficult for them to meet their ideal fitness goals and we do not want anyone to feel left behind.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to take the time to complete this short survey. It is very important to us that we capture a wide range of voices and demographics, as we want to provide better services for residents of all backgrounds.”

The survey asks questions about indoor and outdoor physical activity. It also asks about the opportunities for children and young people and covers the local leisure centre provision and active travel.

Moving Communities launched in 2021 to support the National Leisure Recovery Fund, which has seen £100m in government funding to support the leisure sector recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

You can find out more about the activities delivered by Places Leisure, the council’s leisure provider, online. This includes the Running Places group, which recently launched. There is also more information about the countryside and parks activities.

Every bit of extra activity you do matters, no matter how big or small. But the more you do, the more you benefit.  You can find advice on how to be more active on the NHS website as part of the Better Health initiative.