Communities NSW

PCAL - Building stronger communities through physical activity: a practitioner's resource

Published: January 2009

Overview

We know that communities with more physically active people are more socially connected and healthier places to be. This resource is designed to assist practitioners to map the various elements that must be considered when implementing a physical activity program aiming to enhance community development. A comprehensive report providing detailed methodological, case study and policy background to the resource is also available on the NSW Premier’s Council for Active Living (PCAL) website at www.pcal.nsw.gov.au

Background

The development of a practitioner’s resource to guide the use of physical activity for community development is the main outcome of a research project carried out in 2007 by PCAL. This project reviewed contemporary literature and local case studies which used physical activity as a tool for developing social capital and promoting community development in NSW. The project analysed a range of NSW policies, the most significant of which was the NSW State Plan. The policy analysis clearly identified how physical activity can be used as a key performance indicator for the progression of this Plan. Several successful physical activity programs were then examined. Common critical success factors included:

• Locally focused, i.e. used local facilities, partnerships, local membership and programs which are highly valued locally, or mobilised local resources such as knowledge, skills and commitment of community members. The program was small enough to care about its members – having more money did not necessarily make an organisation more effective.
• Group cohesion and inclusion, encompassing community spirit, cooperation and collaboration. The program brought people together to pursue health and wellbeing and common goals, extending support networks and capacities to cope.
• Broad community engagement, integrating contribution, expanded social networks and democratic processes. The program provided opportunities for people to continue to actively and meaningfully contribute to the community.
• Individualised programming, by being flexible and responsive, and taking into account and managing physical capability. The program contributed to personal development by providing opportunities to increase fitness and enhance knowledge, skills, confidence and self-esteem.
• Sustainable through partnerships to provide funding, expertise, in-kind support, recruitment of community members and use of local facilities. Programs integrated into existing community assets and provided evaluation and feedback to participants, and were embedded within an organisational policy context. This practitioner’s resource reflects information gained throughout the research project, and aims to assist practitioners plan, implement and evaluate physical activity programs that build social capital in communities. This resource has been designed for use in a multiplicity of applications including program and policy settings and at grassroots delivery of physical activity or community development programs. It encourages community-based physical activity programs to be planned using a bottom up approach. Programs can be planned to meet identified needs, develop partnerships, build and support social networks and promote community members to develop their own capacity for physical, social, economic and cultural wellbeing.

About the Premier’s Council for Active Living

The NSW Premier’s Council for Active Living (PCAL) aims to encourage more people in NSW to be more active every day. We do this by
working with our government, business and community partners to:

• Promote greater involvement in active living across all population groups in NSW
• Build and strengthen the physical and social environments that facilitate and support active lifestyles, from individual, incidental
  everyday activity, to more formal activities such as fitness and sports programs
• Ensure that government policies and strategies provide every opportunity for the citizens of NSW to embrace active living
  throughout their whole lifecycle.

PCAL comprises senior representatives from various government agencies, as well as representation from business and the community
sector. It provides an important forum for interagency and intersectoral collaboration through the promotion of Active
Living Principles and their implementation.