David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, is investing £7 million to help communities across the region become healthier, more active and better connected.

The Moving Forward campaign tackles regional challenges through four key areas: Active Travel, Movement, Activity and Sport, Men’s Mental Health, and Connected to the Outdoors, with a focus on removing barriers to participation and improving wellbeing for everyone.

David Skaith said:

“Sport changed my life, and I want as many people as possible to have that same opportunity. I know the impact that keeping moving has on our mental health, but in our region, too many people face barriers to accessing sport and activity, especially women and girls and Disabled people. Over 30% of adults do less than 30 minutes of exercise a week, and over 60% are overweight or obese. That contributes towards preventable long-term ill health. Moving Forward is about backing people across York and North Yorkshire to build the healthy and thriving communities they deserve.”

Movement, Activity and Sport

The £2.75 million fund helps more people participate in movement and sport, particularly women, girls and disabled people. It also supports rural communities, early intervention for health, anti-social behaviour and crime prevention, and workforce development in the sector.

Funding Available for Local Projects

The Movement, Activity and Sport Fund provides support for events, sessions, equipment, facilities, workforce development and training, focusing on:

• Rural Isolation
• Disability and Inclusion
• Women and Girls
• Early Intervention and Prevention in Health
• Early Intervention and Prevention in Anti-Social Behaviour and Crime

Anyone can apply, whether or not they have a background in sport or movement. Funding ranges from £500–£49,999, depending on project type. Applications are administered by North Yorkshire Sport in partnership with the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Active Travel

Investment in active travel will improve cycling and walking infrastructure, provide safe cycle storage and fund school streets and 20mph zones. Benefits include reducing carbon, easing congestion, improving health and wellbeing, and supporting local economies. Every £1 spent on active travel infrastructure returns an average of £5.62 in economic benefits.

Men’s Mental Health

The programme targets men’s mental wellbeing by assessing gaps in services, running behaviour change campaigns, piloting workplace support, and delivering grant-funded initiatives. A survey of North Yorkshire-based farmers found 42% had experienced stress or anxiety and 31% had sleep problems.

Connected to the Outdoors

Connected to the Outdoors uses green social prescribing to improve health and reduce isolation. Activities include at-home and local tasks, community projects, and engagement with National Parks and Landscapes. The North York Moors Trust has been awarded nearly £100,000 to run a Natural Health Service, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Social prescribing schemes deliver £2.14–£8.56 in social and economic value for every £1 invested.

Find out more about the Moving Forward campaign and funding opportunities.

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