New £5m fund to develop and share ideas for helping people live healthy and active lives

A new £5m Healthy and Active Fund (HAF), a partnership between Welsh Government, Sport Wales and Public Health Wales, is planned to encourage and share innovative – and enjoyable – ideas that support people to build physical activity into their lives and improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Full details of the HAF application process will be announced in the Autumn. Walking and cycling will be a key element of the initiative.

The first phase investment of £5m over three years will focus on improving physical activity levels, encouraging solutions to take advantage of collaboration, existing community assets such as clubs, schools and workplaces, and new technology. 

Dr Chrissie Pickin, Executive Director for Health and Wellbeing at Public Health Wales said: 'In many of our communities too many people are living in poor health as a result of conditions such as cancer, heart disease and bone and joint problems.

'Being inactive is a risk factor for all of these conditions. Helping us incorporate physical activity into our daily lives is one of the best ways we can both prevent and improve some of these conditions, as well as helping us feel good.

'The Healthy and Active Fund is a welcome boost to help our communities become more active, no matter what activity you choose, where you live or how much money you have.'

Getting everyone in Wales active can unleash a range of benefits - including better health and well-being and more connected communities - but needs the support of everyone in Wales to ensure its success; from those directly involved in physical activity to others helping deliver public services such as health, education, natural resources and economic development.

In addition, Sport Wales will be launching its new vision for Sport in Wales, at the core of which is a focus on encouraging an active lifestyle and a lifelong participation in sport through a wider range of enjoyable and accessible experiences.