Brentwood locality
Brentwood is home to 77,348 residents and stands out as the district with the highest proportion of active adults in Essex, as well as the second-highest life expectancy. This strong health profile also reflects its comparatively larger population of older residents.
The district has seen a remarkable rise in active children since the 2017-18 baseline active lives survey, with 57.2% now meeting activity guidelines, and well above the Essex average. With only 8.4% of children living in relative low-income families, Brentwood’s young people may benefit from greater access to opportunities to be active compared to other areas across the county.
Measuring impact in Brentwood to improve outcomes for residents
An impressive 67.7% of adults are active in Brentwood.
Ensuring residents in Brentwood are connected to opportunities, the Find Your Active Brentwood Place Navigator is helping to strengthen community connections and promoting local physical activity opportunities to all residents in the district.
A quarter of Brentwood residents are 65+ years old.
Falls are a major concern for older adults, so Brentwood launched a Slipper Swap programme to swap worn slippers for safer NHS approved footwear, reducing the risk of falls and increasing likely hood of them participating in strength and balance exercises.
53.8% of children report positive attitudes to inclusive activity.
To increase positive attitudes, Essex ActivAte club, Butterflies, create a safe environment for children with SEN to be active and their trip experiences provide opportunities for learning, social development and independence building.
Making movement a priority in Brentwood
Active Essex supports the local network, Find Your Active Brentwood, who collaboratively work with sports clubs, facilities and local partners to promote and provide opportunities for increased physical activity, health and wellbeing. The network is represented on the Brentwood Livewell Board, with one of their three priorities being to tackle obesity and improve the physical health of residents in the borough.
By bringing different system partners together, with locally trusted organisations, schools and residents, Brentwood are making great strides.
Brentwood is united by ambition and driven by movement, the following case studies show how the district is contributing to the Fit for the Future Strategy.
