Introduction and Vision

In Angus we aspire to have a Sport and Physical Activity Framework which brings together partners with the shared vision of creating, promoting, and enhancing opportunities for sport and physical activity to build a healthier, resilient, and more prosperous community. The vision for the Framework is that ‘Angus is a place where an active life is accessible for all’. This Framework will support local stakeholders in the planning and delivery of sport and physical activity investment, services, and opportunities through a clearly defined set of strategic outcomes, objectives, and measurable action plans.

The Framework has been developed by a range of Community Planning Partners and key stakeholders from voluntary and statutory sectors. The framework is based on the Scottish Government’s Active Scotland outcomes.

We encourage and enable the inactive to become more active We encourage and enable the active to stay active throughout life

We improve our active infrastructure – people and places We support wellbeing and resilience in communities through physical activity and sport We improve opportunities to participate, progress and achieve in sport

All partners (1) have agreed that the overarching aim of this work is to reduce inequalities and maximise shared resources using a targeted approach where appropriate.

Physical inactivity contributes to nearly 2,500 deaths in Scotland each year and costs the economy approximately £91 million per year (2). It is widely recognised that there are a range of ever-changing factors that impact on a person’s ability to lead an active lifestyle, and further investigation is required locally through a partnership approach to understand these in Angus.

“Physical activity and sport are a powerful force in transforming lives. There is clear and growing evidence of the health, economic and social benefits physical activity and sport can bring. Physical activity and sport improve the health of the heart, skeletal muscles, bones and blood, the immune system and nervous system, and enable people to live longer, healthier lives. Being active improves psychological wellbeing, boosts self-esteem, plays an important role in maintaining a healthy weight and improves mood and sleep quality. Physical activity and sport can also play a major role in improving outcomes and tackling inequalities across many different aspects of our lives and society. Positive changes being achieved through physical activity and sport initiatives in Scotland include improving mental health, supporting weight management initiatives, overcoming loneliness and isolation; reducing reoffending; promoting sustainable forms of transport; and enabling people to connect with the natural environment (4).”

Purpose of Framework

The Framework will contribute to the national Active Scotland outcomes and the main priorities in the Angus Community Plan:

• Reducing child poverty

• Improving mental health and wellbeing

• Improving accessibility and connectivity in the communities of Angus.

The Framework will underpin the work of the Angus Sport and Physical Activity Planning Partnership (the Partnership), a collaboration between ANGUSalive, Angus Council, NHS Tayside, sportscotland, Dundee and Angus College, and third sector agencies. Our ambition for the Framework is that it is not only limited to the partners involved in the Partnership but will also be adopted and used as a key reference point for all partners across Angus such as transport, planning and relevant private sector organisations. The Partnership will monitor and evaluate progress against the agreed outcomes.

The Framework demonstrates a commitment to work collaboratively to achieve the agreed outcomes and brings a level of accountability amongst the key stakeholders. Whilst some partners are taking the lead in developing and implementing aspects of the framework, its success relies on all partners fulfilling their commitment to each of the outcomes.

The Framework will recognise the impact and positive contribution undertaken by our local clubs and communities and aim to ensure:

• Accountability amongst the key stakeholders

• Integration of the planning and delivery of sport and physical activity

• Data collection and analysis for planning, prioritisation and demonstrating impact

Background and Local Context

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic presented significant challenges to all aspects of life in Angus, including the sport and physical activity sector. Amidst cancelled events, remote working, uncertainty around projects and funding, and concerns for the well-being of people in our communities, club and community sport and physical activity experienced a very challenging period. Whilst there have been many challenges, for some this period also brought opportunity, with new ways to be active and engage with others.

Sport and physical activity organisations across Angus have always shown resilience, with individuals and organisations stepping forward to support their local communities, particularly those most in need. Local clubs and community trusts support residents with befriending calls, food bank donations, walk and talks and free essential transport. an abundance of natural resources and a variety of facilities where a diverse range of sport and physical activity opportunities are available. The Framework will support and empower everyone in Angus to access an active lifestyle, while recognising the challenges faced by individuals, clubs, and community organisations.

The pandemic has taught us all to be more adaptable and responsive to community need and the Partnership are committed to continuing this approach to ensure that the sport and physical activity opportunities in Angus continue to meet the ever-changing needs of our communities.

1. A full list of partners can be viewed in appendix one of the framework.

2. NHS Health Scotland February 2020: www.healthscotland.scot/health-topics/physical-activity/physical-activity-overview

3. Each week, adults should accumulate at least 150 minutes (2 1/2 hours) of moderate intensity activity; or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity; or even shorter durations of very vigorous intensity activity; or a combination of moderate, vigorous, and very vigorous intensity activity. UK Chief Medical Officers’ Physical Activity Guidelines September 2019

4. Scottish Household Survey 2019: annual report