Richmond Council has unveiled its plan to make physical activity, leisure and sport a natural and accessible part of daily life in Richmond upon Thames.

The new five-year strategy was launched by Cllr Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Services Committee, at the Hampton Youth Project last Wednesday, 18 September, which will be reopened as a new community wellbeing and physical activity hub. 

Being active has amazing benefits for long-term health, such as lowering your risk of developing preventable illnesses like heart disease and dementia. It can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy. 

At the event, residents of all ages took part in a range of taster sessions from rugby and pickleball to low-impact classes and seated Pilates.

There were also talks from Harlequins scrumhalf Emma Swords and local gymnast and coach Sophia who shared their stories about how they got into sport.

Richmond upon Thames is one of the most active boroughs in London and has plenty of sports clubs, leisure facilities and green spaces.

Priority commitments for the first year of the council's Richmond Moves Strategy include: 

• Introducing its Fairer Access Scheme to ensure no one is priced out of participating in its leisure services. 
• Using the excitement around the Women's Rugby World Cup to focus on women and girls in sport and boost participation and employment.
• Enhancing initiatives for older people and unpaid carers.
• Creating more active play, sports, and adventure opportunities for children.
• Developing an online physical activity offer for those unable to leave home.

Richmond Council plans to work with local voluntary and community organisations to break down the barriers to activity by raising awareness of the importance of moving more and providing more and better opportunities to do so. 

You can find out more about the Richmond Moves Strategy here.