Glasgow Life's new strategy to increase physical activity
Active Glasgow: A Physical Activity and Sport Strategy for Glasgow 2025-2035, developed by Glasgow Life and sector partners, aspires to enhance the lives of Glaswegians through activity and sport.
The plan, approved by the City Administration Committee, seeks to integrate sport and physical activity into the daily routines of Glaswegians.
(Image: Glasgow Life)
Read more: MSP praises Glasgow initiative making equipment accessible to everyone
It targets health inequalities and promotes diversity, equality, and inclusion, with success measured by a positive increase in activity levels.
Changes in environments, practices, and policies will be monitored in addition to evidence-based shifts in activity levels within targeted communities.
Various partners, including sports clubs, health services, educational services, and public health organisations, will collaborate on the strategy's implementation.
The strategy has been deemed essential in light of figures revealed around the state of physical wellbeing in Glasgow.
Figures have shown that 34% of adults and 31% of children in Glasgow do not meet the NHS's weekly physical activity guidelines.
Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council convenor for culture, sport, and international relations, said: "Physical activity and sport have the power to boost mental and physical wellbeing, unite communities, and transform lives.
"This strategy focuses on addressing the issues that prevent people from getting involved in physical activity by offering solutions to help more Glaswegians and visitors to our city get active and experience the benefits of an active lifestyle."
The strategy aims to make Glasgow a leader in creating an encouraging environment for physical activity.
It proposes a single referral point for people who need support to be active and plans to develop the Live Active Exercise Referral Scheme and the Live Well Community Referral Programme.
Dr Emilia Crighton, director of public health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: "The health benefits of physical activity and active living are well-known.
"Physical exercise is often branded a 'miracle cure', due to the critical role it plays in improving physical and mental wellbeing and helping to address a range of illnesses and health conditions.
"Creating an environment where physical activity becomes the easy option for people is central to health and wellbeing, and it is at the heart of this strategy.
'The focus on accessibility, availability, existing community assets, and greenspace, together with building confidence and skills for people of all ages, are critical to enabling this city to become an Active Glasgow – and therefore a healthier Glasgow.'
The plan also includes widening access to green spaces, recreational, and sports spaces, and ensuring they are safe and welcoming for all.
(Image: Glasgow Life)
Read more: Glaswegians urged to 'light up the longest day' and help feed hungry children
Paul Johnston, chief executive of Public Health Scotland, said: "Implementation of this strategy will transform environments, infrastructure, and services across Glasgow, making it easier for individuals to incorporate movement into their daily lives.
"Being physically active is hugely beneficial to improving our physical and mental health and contributes towards the prevention of illness and diseases.
"We hope this will be the first of many local strategies which will drive the necessary changes to create a healthier, more active Scotland."
The Active Glasgow strategy can be read in full on the Glasgow Life website.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
13-06-2025
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow Life's new strategy to increase physical activity
Active Glasgow: A Physical Activity and Sport Strategy for Glasgow 2025-2035, developed by Glasgow Life and sector partners, aspires to enhance the lives of Glaswegians through activity and sport. The plan, approved by the City Administration Committee, seeks to integrate sport and physical activity into the daily routines of Glaswegians. (Image: Glasgow Life) Read more: MSP praises Glasgow initiative making equipment accessible to everyone It targets health inequalities and promotes diversity, equality, and inclusion, with success measured by a positive increase in activity levels. Changes in environments, practices, and policies will be monitored in addition to evidence-based shifts in activity levels within targeted communities. Various partners, including sports clubs, health services, educational services, and public health organisations, will collaborate on the strategy's implementation. The strategy has been deemed essential in light of figures revealed around the state of physical wellbeing in Glasgow. Figures have shown that 34% of adults and 31% of children in Glasgow do not meet the NHS's weekly physical activity guidelines. Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council convenor for culture, sport, and international relations, said: "Physical activity and sport have the power to boost mental and physical wellbeing, unite communities, and transform lives. "This strategy focuses on addressing the issues that prevent people from getting involved in physical activity by offering solutions to help more Glaswegians and visitors to our city get active and experience the benefits of an active lifestyle." The strategy aims to make Glasgow a leader in creating an encouraging environment for physical activity. It proposes a single referral point for people who need support to be active and plans to develop the Live Active Exercise Referral Scheme and the Live Well Community Referral Programme. Dr Emilia Crighton, director of public health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: "The health benefits of physical activity and active living are well-known. "Physical exercise is often branded a 'miracle cure', due to the critical role it plays in improving physical and mental wellbeing and helping to address a range of illnesses and health conditions. "Creating an environment where physical activity becomes the easy option for people is central to health and wellbeing, and it is at the heart of this strategy. 'The focus on accessibility, availability, existing community assets, and greenspace, together with building confidence and skills for people of all ages, are critical to enabling this city to become an Active Glasgow – and therefore a healthier Glasgow.' The plan also includes widening access to green spaces, recreational, and sports spaces, and ensuring they are safe and welcoming for all. (Image: Glasgow Life) Read more: Glaswegians urged to 'light up the longest day' and help feed hungry children Paul Johnston, chief executive of Public Health Scotland, said: "Implementation of this strategy will transform environments, infrastructure, and services across Glasgow, making it easier for individuals to incorporate movement into their daily lives. "Being physically active is hugely beneficial to improving our physical and mental health and contributes towards the prevention of illness and diseases. "We hope this will be the first of many local strategies which will drive the necessary changes to create a healthier, more active Scotland." The Active Glasgow strategy can be read in full on the Glasgow Life website.
Glasgow Times
10-06-2025
- Glasgow Times
World's largest walking football tournament held in Glasgow
More than 900 players from 92 teams took part in the Walking Football Scottish Cup and Festival on Saturday, June 7, held at Glasgow Green Football Centre. The event, organized by Walking Football Scotland and sponsored by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS), brought together participants from across the country to compete in multiple categories. It attracted high-profile visitors, including former Scotland manager Craig Levein and ex-players Peter Grant, David Hopkin, and Dougie Imrie. Read more: Gala day featuring football match with Still Game star to take place in Glasgow MSP Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, was also in attendance. Gary Brewer, director of people and culture at CHSS, said: "It was amazing to see so many people come together and, once again, celebrate the Walking Football Scottish Cup and mark the world's largest one-day walking football event." The tournament is part of a two-year partnership between CHSS and Walking Football Scotland aimed at improving health outcomes for people over 50. Figures from Public Health Scotland have revealed that nearly 11,000 people in Scotland had a stroke last year. This remains one of Scotland's main causes of long-term disability. In addition, coronary heart disease remains Scotland's biggest killer, with 300,000 people in the country living with the condition. Activities, such as walking football, are designed to help people improve their physical activity and maintain a healthy heart. Walking football provides a gentler alternative to traditional football, helping participants stay active while reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Gary said: 'Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is committed to supporting the one in five people across the country with our conditions. "One of the best ways we can do this is by improving health outcomes for people across Scotland and playing walking football is a great way of contributing to reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. "Walking Football Scotland can reach a vast number of players, and we have been able to offer support to clubs, players and their families. "It's great to see the popularity of the sport continuing to rise and we hope our partnership with Walking Football Scotland continues to grow from strength to strength as well." Read more: Billy Connolly, football and love: Book reveals what matters to Glaswegians Kenny McLean, president of Walking Football Scotland, said: "Walking Football Scotland continues to lead the way, not just in participation but in impact. "Breaking records and building communities — that's what this game is all about, and I couldn't be prouder of what we're achieving together. "This is our showcase event – a celebration of everything walking football represents. "But the real heart of the game lies in the hundreds who play week in, week out across Scotland. "A huge thank you to everyone who makes this movement so special." Winners on the day included Braehead FC in both the over-40s and over-50s women's categories, Saint Anthony's in the over-50s, and Pollok Utd in the over-60s and over-65s. Alloa Athletic took home the over-70s title, Glasgow Life won in the Parkinson's category, while the Universal Wanderers took home the Peter Collins Fair Play award.
Daily Record
09-06-2025
- Daily Record
SNP MSP announces she is now cancer-free and ready to return to Holyrood
Ruth Maguire had been diagnosed with secondary cervical cancer. SNP MSP Ruth Maguire has announced she is cancer-free and is preparing to return to Holyrood. The Cunninghame South MSP had said last year that she would not seek re-election at the 2026 Scottish Parliament election after she was diagnosed with secondary cervical cancer. She had initially been diagnosed with cervical cancer in May 2021 and came back to Holyrood a year later, but stepped back when her cancer returned. Speaking to Holyrood Magazine, she revealed her cancer treatment had been successful. She said: 'I have had so many kind messages and cards and people telling me that they've been thinking of me and keeping me in their prayers. 'I've felt so supported and my family and friends have been magnificent, but constituents and community members have been just lovely. 'I'm looking forward to going out and proactively reconnecting with constituents and groups again.' She added: 'I have a long-standing interest in women's health, in particular with access to healthcare, and having more first-hand experience and talking with patients and staff over the past few months has given me another fresh insight and indeed impetus into work that may be needed in regards to women's health and wellbeing.' The MSP is set to begin constituency work in the coming weeks and will return to Holyrood after the summer recess. First elected in 2016, she is the deputy convener of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee and co-convener of the cross-party group on commercial sexual exploitation. Here you can get your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Daily Record, Sunday Mail and Record Online. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. You can also check out our social media channels for live us on Twitter @Record_Politics for the latest news. Or you can catch all the action by following our team: @paulhutcheon, @andrewjquinn97 and @dennynews.
