Harlow locality
With a population of 94,444 and a median age three years below the national average, almost a third of Harlow residents are inactive, participating in less than 30 minutes of physical activity a week.
Harlow is the second most deprived district in Essex, with high levels of inactivity among children and young people and significant health inequalities. Making better use of the area’s green spaces, which makes up around one-third of the borough, is a key opportunity to support more active lifestyles.
Measuring impact in Harlow to improve outcomes for residents
7.5% of Harlow children, face multiple inequality factors in addition to being inactive.
This highlights a concerning local trend, but one that Rosedan Childcare are working with Active Essex and the Holiday Activity and Food programme to overcome.
4.5% fewer adults in Harlow are active compared to the national average of active adults.
Deepened inequalities present a key focus for the Harlow Place Partnership work to tackle, and the projects outlined in this case study highlight the work being achieved to date.
31% of Harlow residents participate in active travel (walking/cycling) at least twice a week.
Essex Pedal Power in Harlow has reached it’s 1 year anniversary, providing free bikes to residents, significantly increasing cycling, active travel and physical activity levels.
Making movement a priority in Harlow
Significant milestones have been made in the district over the past year, supported by major investment through the Sport England Place Partnership which has strengthened neighbourhood provision. With 57% of children and young people not achieving the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, this investment presents a crucial opportunity to address inactivity and reduce the pressure on education, health and wider public services. In turn, this has led to one of the districts strategic themes.
Over the past three years, the council has secured more than £63 million in Government funding, alongside substantial private investment, to support the revival of the town centre. The Place Partnership arrives at an ideal moment, enabling physical activity to be embedded within the district’s wider growth, regeneration and development plans, focusing on accessible and inclusive environments, leadership and active environments.
Harlow 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.
