Three key takeaways from GOGA Networking event
More than 40 partners from across the country travelled to Blackpool last week for an opportunity to reflect on the success of Get Out Get Active.
Across 9 years 58,000 people have been reached by the programme. That is down to the hard work of hundreds of partners and thousands of volunteers across the country.
To date there have been more than 3,500 activities. For every £1 invested, GOGA has delivered £4.60 in social, environmental, and economic value.
Key to its success has been a person and place-centred approach. Listening to local communities about their needs and putting in place solutions. These lessons were shared at the networking event last week, with everyone present given the opportunity to hear from those at the heart of GOGA’s successes.
Get Out Get Active Impact Report
Everyone in the room understood the power of GOGA. Whether they had been directly involved in delivery, or supported as a partner there was a consensus that the power of the programme needs to be shared as widely as possible.
Across communities that were involved there were increased activity rates. 81% of participants increased their activity levels, with 74% maintaining these improvements after leaving the programme. Nine in ten also reported improved mental wellbeing.
78% of non-disabled and 65% of disabled participants became more involved in their local communities. And GOGA has fostered a more positive view of disabled people in the community.
To find out more read the Get Out Get Active Impact Report.
Spirit of 2012 Knowledge Bank
Spirit of 2012, founding funders of the programme in 2016, attended as they continue to wind down their operations.
They funded projects and commissioned research that harnesses the power of events to make a positive impact for people and their communities as part of the enduring legacy of the London 2012 Games.
Their backing has been crucial to the success of GOGA, and they will leave behind a wealth of knowledge.
Visit the online Spirit of 2012 Knowledge Bank.
The future of the programme
Four new areas will be supported having recently been awarded innovation pots of funding.
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.
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.
Read more about each area’s focus on the GOGA website.
