Interactive game boosts health of Essex residents
New research report reveals Beat The Street improved mental and physical wellbeing
Beat The Street participants at Anglia Ruskin University's Chelmsford campus
An interactive game introduced to Chelmsford and South Woodham Ferrers earlier this year had a significant impact on public health, according to a new research report.
‘Beat The Street’ was brought to the city by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) with support from Essex County Council, Chelmsford City Council and the National Lottery via Sport England. It is an interactive game that encourages communities to move more and to make small lifestyle changes, such as walking or cycling to school or work every day, or exploring their local area at weekends.
The game was played by people of all ages by finding their nearest “Beat Box”, placed on 125 lampposts around the borough. Participating primary schools provided children with a card and a map, and prizes were on offer for players and teams that travelled the furthest.
It took place in Chelmsford and South Woodham Ferrers from late February until April, with over 13,000 people participating. During that time, researchers recorded a 7% increase in children walking for fun seven days a week, and a 6% reduction in the proportion of inactive adults.
Participation also reduced time spent sitting by both children and adults, and researchers recorded a 2% increase in adults walking for short trips seven days a week and a 2% reduction in the proportion of less active children.
There were estimated to be economic benefits too, with improved life satisfaction for adults equating to an economic benefit of £236 per adult, based on a 0.2 increase on the WELLBY (wellbeing year) score.
Of the players who took part in Beat the Street, 48% were children aged 17 and under, and 69% were female. 11,503 players were part of a school or community team, accounting for 83% of all players.
“The aim of introducing Beat The Street to Chelmsford and South Woodham Ferrers was to increase levels of physical activity across the population and also to connect people with their communities.
“Data collected through surveys at the start and at the end of the initiative clearly show there has been a positive shift in physical activity levels, active travel behaviour and mental wellbeing amongst both adults and children.
“Feedback from participants further suggests that the game has helped them walk and cycle more, explore their local area and spend more time together as a family or community.”
Dr Greg Deacon, Deputy Head of School of Community Health at ARU Writtle“We were thrilled so many people took part in Beat the Street, which provided great incentive to get outside and enjoy fun, free exercise. The game may be over – for now! – but we hope that its impact will be lasting.
“To help participants continue to feel inspired to explore their surroundings, we have developed Explore Chelmsford; a series of family friendly maps that allow people to walk, scoot or cycle in traffic-free and low-traffic environments in their local area. The maps include challenges, areas of interest, selfie spots and i-spy questions, the answers of which can be submitted to the team for entry into a regular free prize draw.”
Antony Bensley, Community Sport and Wellbeing Manager at Chelmsford City Council“It is great to see how well the Beat the Street project in Chelmsford and South Woodham Ferrers has been received. This initiative has provided a fun and engaging way for the community to get out, explore their local area, and stay active while discovering new opportunities.
“We are excited to continue working with our partners to build a lasting legacy from this programme, ensuring that the benefits of active living and community engagement continue to thrive.”
Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity at Essex County Council“We are so grateful that Beat the Street came to South Woodham Ferrers. All the town’s five primary schools took enthusiastic part in this, along with many others. This has played an excellent part in promoting healthy exercise in so many families and with so many people. We intend to build on this strong exercise.”
Peter Blackman, Chair, South Woodham Ferrers Health & Social Care GroupThe concept of Beat The Street was developed by Intelligent Health and has been played by around 1.8 million people across the UK.