A NEW survey has shown that Cumbria is on par with the rest of the country when it comes to participation in sport, but Carlisle is becoming more ‘inactive’.

The Active Lives data from Sport England has also recognised the positive impacts of activity on mental health.

The latest data, covering the period of May 2018 to May 2019, shows Cumbria matched the rest of England when it comes to adult participation rates in sport and physical activity.

In particular, the figures show that 262,900 - 63.1 per cent - individuals across the county do over 150 minutes of activity each week, compared with 63.2 per cent nationally.

The data released from Sport England has revealed that 104,300 individuals - 25 per cent - are classed as being inactive in Cumbria, compared to 24.8 per cent nationally.

‘Inactive’ refers to people achieving less than 30 minutes per week of moderate physical activity, for example, raising your heart rate and getting a little out of breath.

Evidence has linked those who are inactive with low income, disability, long-term health conditions and being over 55.

Richard Johnston, senior operations manager at Active Cumbria, said: “We are working hard to engage organisations working with those people that are more likely to be inactive.

“We’ve started a county-wide Walking for Health Scheme and are creating a small army of walk leaders who are creating new Walking for Health Groups in all corners of the County including an extension to the current Carlisle Doorstep Walks.”

Colin Cox, director for public health, said: “Cumbria County Council has invested in the Walking for health programme as part of their commitment to tackling inactivity and improving health and wellbeing outcomes across the county.

“The Walking for Health programme is a proven programme enabling groups and organisations to develop and run volunteer-led health walk schemes that meet local needs. The walks have shown to help individuals to take charge of their own health and well-being while providing the opportunity to socialise with other people from the local community.”

“Furthermore, organised health walks can help improve cardiovascular fitness, reduce weight, and prevent the onset of diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer.”

The data also revealed vast differences in the activity levels in areas of the county. Allerdale has grown to be above the national average, with active levels at 66.4 per cent.

Inactive levels have also continued to decrease to a new low of 22.3 per cent. However, Carlisle has seen a reduction in those being active. This is down to 54.6 per cent which is an 8.9 per cent reduction compared to 12-months-ago. Carlisle’s inactivity rates have increased by 8.8 per cent to 31.8 per cent.

Eden and South Lakeland has continued the trend and are above the national limit. Eden’s active rate is 68.5 per cent - a 4.9 per cent rise from 12-months-ago - while South Lakeland’s is 69.6 per cent, which is 6.4 per cent above the national average.

Deborah Earl, cabinet member for public health and community services, said: “The information really helps us to understand where Active Cumbria need to target their resources. It’s good we are on par with the national average but there is always room for improvement.

“It’s extremely important to stay active, exercise and fresh air has a positive impact on our mental health.”

Mr Johnston added: “The levels of inactivity in Cumbria continue to be a worry, and the shift in Carlisle is significant, but we as a county are not alone. We’re also delivering a lot of training to the sports and physical activity workforce.

“Next month we start a series of workshops on Mental Health Awareness in Sport and Physical Activity with Carlisle & Eden Mind as part of a joint venture with Carlisle United Community Sports Trust on an extension of the national Get Set to Go Scheme funded by Sport England”

The report also makes clear the mental health benefits of being active. When asked to rate their mental health on a scale of zero to 10, active people reported feeling, more satisfied with their lives, happier, more likely to feel the things they do in life are worthwhile, less anxious

Further research has shown that exercise can reduce the risk of major illness, such as heart disease, stroke, type-two diabetes and cancer by up to 50 per cent, as well as lower the risk of early death by up to 30 per cent.

It could also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing peoples’ risk of stress, depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.