Barking and Dagenham secures £1.2m health investment

Barking and Dagenham is set to benefit from a £1.2 million investment from Sport England to promote physical activity and improve public health through the ‘B&D Moves’ programme, a community-led partnership focused on making activity part of daily life for everyone.

The funding will support long-term, systemic changes that address barriers to physical activity and prioritise the needs of residents.

Maureen Worby, cabinet member for adult social care, health integration and housing at Barking and Dagenham Council, said: "Barking and Dagenham has a proud sporting heritage, from Olympians and World Cup winners to the pioneering footballers who helped shape our national game. This investment gives us an exciting opportunity to build on that legacy and help more residents enjoy the benefits of being active."

The B&D Moves partnership includes the council, London Sport, Barking and Dagenham Council for Voluntary Service, B&D Giving, Barking Sports 4 Change, and a broad network of community groups, health services, schools, and residents.

The programme will be delivered in four phases: strengthening local governance, listening to residents about barriers, testing community-led initiatives, and scaling successful approaches across the borough.

A key priority is understanding and addressing the factors that stop people from being active.

Ms Worby said: "The programme aligns with our wider ambitions through Pride in Place and Live Well Barking and Dagenham to create healthier physical and social environments, while supporting our commitment to ensure every resident can achieve their potential. Working with local partners and communities, B&D Moves will help make physical activity a more accessible part of everyday life for everyone in our borough."

The need for action is clear: 32 per cent of adults in Barking and Dagenham do less than 30 minutes of physical activity a week, and 43.7 per cent are not active enough for good health.

More than a quarter of patients (26.7 per cent) live with a long-term health condition, with 22 per cent developing one before the age of 40.

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, executive director for partnerships and place at Sport England, said: "We want everyone, no matter where they live or who they are, to have the chance to be active and healthy. We are committed to working alongside local partners and communities across Barking and Dagenham to break down barriers to physical activity and ensure everyone has the opportunity to lead a more active life."