Creating Empowered, Active Communities
The NCSEM was created to help deliver the London 2012 Olympic Legacy, with a commitment to improve the health and wellbeing of the nation through physical activity, sport, and exercise.
In Sheffield, the NCSEM champions a place-based approach which focuses on creating the conditions that make it easier for people to move more, striving for equitable access to physical activity opportunities and promoting healthier lives across all communities. They do this through three key areas:
Move More: Development and implementation of Move More, the city's physical activity and sport strategy.
Move Together: Bringing health to communities through the co-location of health services in leisure centres and building physical activity pathways that bridge the gap between health and fitness.
Move Well: Sheffield's physical activity referral scheme linking individuals to personalised support and opportunities based on their needs and preferences.
Working Together for Long-Term Change
NCSEM Sheffield brings together a wide range of partners - from healthcare providers and universities to community groups and local sports groups - to make physical activity a core part of everyday life in Sheffield.
Rather than imposing top-down solutions, the NCSEM works alongside local communities to understand:
- The systemic enablers of physical activity within defined locations
- Which factors affect participation in different communities
- How to help people be active in ways and places that suit them
This approach supports long-term change by addressing both individual and structural barriers to being active.
Real Lives, Real Impact
“I said ‘I’d love to do that, but I’ve got no childcare’, and she said, ‘well bring her – just bring her in the car seat’. I was like ‘really? That’s amazing.’ ... When I come out, I feel like my head is in a better place, and if I feel better about myself mentally, I’m going to be a better mum.”
“It has grown to be more than just an exercise class... It has created a feeling of connection to our community and surroundings. We have a sense of purpose and feel valued. We have all created some real friendships who support, advise, and help each other.”
Find Out More
Visit the NCSEM Sheffield website
