Showcasing some of our work in local communities

Who We Are

Active Norfolk is one of England’s 42 Active Partnerships, working with partners across Norfolk to reduce inactivity and tackle health inequalities in communities across the county. We connect local government, health, education, VCSE organisations and community partners to ensure physical activity is embedded as a preventative tool across strategies, pathways, and services, to improve the health outcomes of people in Norfolk.

Why This Work Is Essential

Despite recent improvements, only 63.7% of adults in England meet the recommended 150 minutes of weekly moderate-intensity activity. The latest Active Lives Survey also reveals stark inequalities – people in less affluent areas are 13.4% less likely to reach that threshold, and less than half of adults with a long-term condition or disability feel able to do so. Without targeted intervention, these gaps drive preventable health burdens and widen inequalities even further.

Norfolk has an older, more rural and more deprived population than the national average. These factors significantly impact activity levels, long-term conditions, social isolation, and healthy life expectancy.

Physical activity is one of the most effective, scalable and low-cost interventions for improving population health. In the East of England alone, the total annual social value of participation in physical activity and sport is estimated to be worth £14 billion, highlighting the importance of making

Our Approach

Active Norfolk uses a place-based model, embedding staff in every district to understand local need, align partners, and lead practical, community-level action. This approach enables:

• Targeting of groups with greatest need, using data and insight to focus our resources effectively.
• Integration with health and care priorities, including healthy ageing, falls prevention, long-term condition management initiatives and wider determinants of health.
• Local solutions that are trusted and sustainable, especially in areas at higher risk of physical inactivity.
• System coordination, enabling partners to act collectively rather than in isolation.

Highlighting some of our work in local communities

The case studies below illustrate how this model delivers measurable benefits: improved wellbeing, increased activity levels, stronger community networks, and reduced barriers for those most at risk of poor health outcomes.

Read The Story arrow_forward_ios Bacton Primary Hire Hub A community hire hub and activity sessions, funded by the Opening Schools Facilities fund to encourage local families to get more active outside of school. play_arrow Watch The Video Read The Story arrow_forward_ios Community exercise provision for older adults Active Norfolk, in partnership with the ICB & Alive West Norfolk have begun to deliver community classes designed to eliminate barriers to physical activity for those aged 65+. zoom_out_map See More Read The Story arrow_forward_ios Bowl for Health (Breckland) Working with Breckland District Council, Bowls Development Alliance and affiliated bowls clubs to address physical inactivity through bowls. Find out more zoom_out_map Find out more arrow_forward_ios Costessey Primary Cycling Project A collaborative cycling project funded by the Opening Schools Facilities fund aimed at promoting health, safety, and environmental awareness among students and the wider community. play_arrow Watch The Video

These examples represent a fraction of the work happening across Norfolk, but they highlight a consistent theme: when physical activity is delivered in partnership, targeted at inequalities, and grounded in local context, it becomes a powerful tool for prevention and better health outcomes.

Contact Active Norfolk

We’re always expanding our work, and would love to know how we can support your organisation. Get in touch to find out more about any of the above or let us know about your organisation or project.

Contact us