Kirklees Secures Sport England Funding to Tackle Physical Inactivity

Posted By: KLTVon: February 27, 2025In: Current Affairs, News, Talking Health TV

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By KLTV Newsdesk –

The Kirklees Region has successfully secured funding from Sport England to launch a pioneering programme aimed at improving physical activity levels across the district.

This initiative will see collaboration between local communities and key organisations, including health services, local government, and the broader Place Partnerships run by Kirklees Council, to enhance the health and wellbeing of residents.

A Key Role in Driving Change

To lead this initiative, the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) is hosting the recruitment for a Place Partnerships Programme Manager.

The postholder will be responsible for developing and leading the programme over an initial 18-month period, ensuring its successful implementation across Kirklees.

Reporting to the Director of Partnership Development for Kirklees, the role will be based in the centre of Huddersfield, with flexible working arrangements available.

The programme manager will engage with communities using innovative, community-led research and design methods to develop and test new approaches to increasing physical activity.

The role also involves collaboration with various organisations, including the health and care sector, to design and implement policies and interventions that support active lifestyles.

A New Approach to Tackling Inactivity

The newly funded programme represents a significant opportunity to take a fresh approach to addressing physical inactivity.

Instead of relying solely on traditional leisure facilities and sports clubs, the initiative will focus on understanding the root causes and barriers that prevent people from being active.

By working closely with communities, the project will identify the systemic changes needed to make physical activity a natural and enjoyable part of daily life.

Collaboration and Policy Development

Key responsibilities include leading the development of community and service interventions to improve physical activity levels.

The role involves working with statutory bodies to embed physical activity into service delivery and partnering with community organisations to create and expand activity-based programmes.

In addition, the postholder will be responsible for strengthening links with related initiatives, such as creative health projects and employment services, as well as developing and implementing policy changes that promote physical activity across Kirklees.

Commitment to Inclusion and Wellbeing

West Yorkshire ICB is dedicated to improving population health and reducing inequalities, ensuring that diverse health needs are met.

As part of the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, the organisation fosters an inclusive workplace where contributions are valued, and staff wellbeing is a priority.

Recognised as a Carer-Friendly, Mindful, and Disability Confident Employer, West Yorkshire ICB is committed to promoting diversity, recognising that different perspectives and experiences contribute to stronger, more innovative solutions.