Share your experiences of physical activity in Dewsbury and Batley
We’re asking people in Dewsbury and Batley what motivates them to be physically active, and what stops them from being as active as they’d like.
Physical activity and movement can mean different things to different people. From being active on your commute to work or on the job, to a stroll around the block. It could also be enjoying a game with friends or trudging it out on the treadmill. Anything that gets your heart beating faster counts as physical activity.
Why do we want to know about physical activity?
We hope to learn more about the challenges local people face when it comes to moving and exercising more. This will then help us understand how to support more people to enjoy being active. So that they can access the mental and physical health benefits it brings to their lives.
Cllr Carole Pattison, Leader of Kirklees Council said: “We always want our services to be shaped by the voices of residents. By sharing your views, you will help us understand the needs and preferences of our communities.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re already taking part in regular physical activity or not. Whether you’re active a little, a lot, or somewhere in between, we want to hear from you.”
The consultation is the first step to fulfilling our pledge following the closure of Dewsbury Sports Centre in 2024. The centre closed in 2023 after potentially dangerous Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) was found in the building. It shut permanently in 2024 with the council committing to look at future sports and fitness provision in Dewsbury and surrounding areas.
In planning future services in North Kirklees, the council hopes to learn more about residents’ experiences of movement and fitness.
Here is how to take part
An online survey opens on Wednesday 11 June and will run until Sunday 20 July and will help the council gain more in-depth local knowledge about the opportunities and barriers to exercise and fitness.
We will also be invite people in the Dewsbury and Batley areas to attend local workshops and focus groups.
Focus groups and community workshops will be taking place in late June and early July. To register your interest in taking part in a focus group, please email research@brightsparksagency.com.