People living in poverty

Research conducted by 2CV

People living in poverty: relationship between physical activity and mental health

1. People living in poverty are aware of the positive impact physical activity can have on mental health. However, this doesn't always translate into action.

2. 82% of people who take part in physical activity, say they do so to improve their mental health.

3. Walking and jogging are the most popular activities for people living in poverty as they are low commitment, low cost and flexible. Football and boxing are the most popular group based activities. However, these need to be local and community-focused.

4. People who have never received support before, prefer less formal activity-based support that is embedded in the local community. For example, physical activity, arts and creative therapies.

5. Many people living in poverty said physical activity is the first thing they drop when life or mental health problems become worse.

Example: Bright Star Boxing is a charitable organisation that uses boxing to help improve people's mental health

When I feel down, I take the dog for a walk...
I go for hours. It’s peaceful. It makes me realise I’m just a small speck in the grand scheme of things.

Person with lived experience from Wales who took part in the fieldwork

People living in poverty: barriers to using physical activity to improve mental health

1. Financial concerns. Self-care and mental wellbeing strategies (for example, physical activity or socialising) often have a cost which are a barrier to people living in poverty.

2. Social anxiety. Anxiety triggered by social situations and the fear of being judged can prevent people accessing physical activity.

3. Scarcity mindset. For people experiencing a scarcity mindset, the priority is immediate relief of the pressing issues of money. Although mental health support and physical activity is important, it doesn't feel relevant to people's immediate needs.

4. Lack of time. Work/searching for work, caring responsibilities and other pressing issues reduces time available for physical activity, especially for single parents.

5. Availability and awareness of local activities. It can be hard to find suitable facilities or activities. Improved promotion of free to low-cost activities is required. For example, community groups such as OurParks or parkrun, or online activities.

I joined the gym because it’s not far to get to… I like football but I don’t know if there is a team I could join near me – I wouldn’t know where to start looking.

Person with lived experience from Wales who took part in the fieldwork

People living in poverty: benefits of community based physical activity

Community based physical activity is more accessible and attractive to people living in poverty. It is close to where people live, led by people they know in the local community and seen to be less formal.

Accessibility

Community-based activities are often easy to engage with.
It offers consistency - participants know they can return to the same people and places.
Costs are low, and some participation is free.
Participation can be available immediately.

Community

Activities rooted in the local community are more likely to feel meaningful. They feel more informal and not part of ‘the system’ as they're delivered by people who understand the local community.
Sports coaches and other participants can be the only positive role models in some people’s lives.
People participate without acknowledging they're doing so for mental health reasons.
It offers a sense of achievement, improves confidence and builds self-esteem.
It offers a safe space for trying, improving and bouncing back, helping to build resilience.

People living in poverty: recommendations for the physical activity and mental health sector

1. Physical activity needs to be free/affordable, accessible and rooted in the local community. People with mental health problems should be involved in the creation and delivery of activities. This will overcome barriers they face and encourage them to take part.

2. Physical activity and mental health providers should work together and improve collaboration. In some areas, there is a disconnect between mental health and physical activity. A joined-up approach helps both mental health and physical activity providers.

3. More physical activity initiatives aimed at people living in poverty aged over 30. Lots of programmes exist for young people, but is limited for people over 30.

4. Increased funding and support for community based organisations. National organisations such as Mind and Sport England are in a position to help with this. can help. They have an opportunity to fill the funding gaps for community groups and organisations.