Greater Manchester Long Term Disability or Health Condition Activity Levels Nov 17-18

Inactivity levels for those with a long-term disability or health condition sit highly 43.9% in Greater Manchester, against a national figure of 42%. For those outside this category, figures are 22.1% and 20.5% respectively.

At GreaterSport, we want to support anyone of any age, gender or ability to be more active. But to change these figures, and decrease inactivity levels in the right way, we know we need your help.

What can we learn from our region’s figures?

19.4% of people in Greater Manchester have a long-term disability or health condition: approximately 251,000 people. This is higher than the national figure (17.6%).

It is clear we have a large group of people in need of our support.

Inactivity is higher for women (43%) with long-term disabilities and health conditions than men (41.4%) across the UK. However, levels in Greater Manchester are fairly similar (44.7% inactive females and 44.5% inactive males). We’re positive about this minor difference across the genders within our region. But it troubles us that the figures are higher than the national average.

Since 2015-2016, inactivity levels in this ability group have decreased in Greater Manchester by -2.2%: an improvement on the -1.3% national figure. However, it is clear we still have a long way to go. And, to get there, we must work together.

What is happening across our boroughs?

We know that inactivity levels vary widely across everyone within our region’s boroughs. Results for those with long-term disabilities or health conditions are no exception. For example, inactivity figures are as high as 51.4% in Trafford compared to 39.2% in Manchester’s local authority. Whilst inactivity figures for those without a condition also vary (27.9% in Oldham to 17.9% in Trafford), the ranges are smaller.

At GreaterSport, we know we can change this.

There has been some progress. Inactivity has decreased across six local authorities amongst those with a long-term disability or health condition. In Tameside, this decrease is as significant as -10.1%. However, there have been some increases. In four local authorities - Stockport, Oldham, Bolton and Trafford – inactivity levels have risen. In Trafford, this is by almost 6%.

How can you make a difference?

We understand there are multiple hurdles facing people with long-term disabilities or health conditions. At GreaterSport, we know we need to provide support to help them become more active.

We have the knowledge, the statistics and the data. But, to implement change, we need your help. Find out how you can work alongside us. Together, our carefully-developed programmes will help those of all abilities to become more active across Greater Manchester.