Promoting physical activity through design

26/11/2009

The role of environmental design and planning in encouraging physical activity will be explored at a seminar on the 30 November, hosted by NHS Gloucestershire.

Public health guidance published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has highlighted how the design of the built and natural environment can support people to be more active, with proven benefits for health and wellbeing.

The seminar will include presentations from leading experts in the fields of urban design, town planning and the natural environment, and feature representatives from the World Health Organizations’ Healthy Cities project, and Natural England – pioneers of the Green Gym initiative.
Welcoming the event, Dr Shona Arora, Director of Public Health said:

‘The seminar is an exciting opportunity for stakeholders to work together to take forward the NICE guidance in Gloucestershire. We’re pleased to be welcoming delegates and speakers from across the public, private and voluntary sectors.’

‘Good design & planning can make a real difference to how we use our buildings, open spaces and communities, and provide solutions to making physical activity part of our daily lives.  Simple things like making stairs easy to find and attractive to use, linking shops and workplaces to walking and cycling networks and designing playgrounds to encourage active play can support people to get more active.’

The event will be of particular interest to professionals & students working in the areas of urban design and planning, and the built environment.

Please click here for list of PowerPoint and pdf format presentations.