GOGA expertise set to bring activity to new areas of the country

Gateshead, Norfolk, Rotherham and the Swale will all become part of the hugely successful GOGA programme that brings some of the least active members of society together to be active.

GOGA has a remarkable track record of providing the foundations for fun activity for disabled and non-disabled people. The UK-wide initiative is the flagship programme led by Activity Alliance, designed to bring people together through the power of physical activity.

Barriers to activity exist in many forms, GOGA uses local expertise to creates spaces where everyone, regardless of background, ability, or confidence can be active in a way that feels right for them.

Funding for each new area will be driven by innovation, encouraging ideas tailored to the unique needs of each community. This approach will prioritise key themes such as children and young people, health, active travel, and reducing inequalities.

Helen Derby, Strategic Lead of Programmes at Activity Alliance said:

"GOGA places people and partnerships at the heart of its work, using the powerful lens of disability and inclusion to design activities that are welcoming, accessible, and meaningful.

"It’s been almost 10 years since the beginning of this life-changing programme, and in that time we have made huge progress across the country. To be able to take the things that we have learned to new parts of the UK is exciting, and vital work. Everyone deserves the opportunity to be active, and the GOGA approach is a way in which we can make that a reality."

Get Out Get Active is not a simple one size fits all solution, it champions a person-centred approach and listens closely to local communities. This helps to shape opportunities around what individuals truly want and need. Leading partners are supported in the work they do, as will be the case in the new areas announced.

Throughout the programme Active Black Country has worked closely within community faith centres developing physical activity sessions based on learning from GOGA 2020-24. This was developed through exploring different roles within faith organisations to help activate the local community. Over the next year ABC are looking to explore how faith centres can play a leading role in promoting physical activity and encourage an active lifestyle.

In Gateshead GOGA will be working alongside Sustrans to analyse barriers and solutions to active travel. Sustrans’ mission is to make it easier for everyone to walk, wheel, and cycle. By opening up more opportunities for disabled people to get around Gateshead actively, this innovation project aims to help build regular, accessible activity into everyday life.

Swale Community Leisure will use the GOGA approach to address social isolation and mental health problems in the Borough of Swale. Active Nottingham have tackled health inequalities throughout the health sector thanks to previous GOGA funding. This new phase will see them continue to collaborate with Integrated Care Boards (ICB), Primary Care Networks (PCNs), Public Health teams and community-based partners to embed inclusive practices.

Active Norfolk will take GOGA into a new region, complementing work that goes on in the area. The programme will aim to increase engagement with targeted underrepresented groups through coproduction and community voice.

In Rotherham, established organisation SpeakUp Rotherham will combine GOGA principles with an established Learning Disability and Autism Keyworker Programme. This vital work will promote inclusive physical activity and address the broader needs of children and young people with learning disabilities and autism.

To find out more visit the Get Out Get Active website.