Famous Parents Rally Behind Government Initiative to Support Families

A recent survey has revealed that an impressive 82% of parents wish to increase family activity levels together. However, a significant obstacle stands in their way, with 61% feeling inadequate when it comes to sporting skills. In response to this challenge, EastEnders actress Charlie Brooks has teamed up with fitness coach Joe Wicks to launch the ‘New Moves Club’, a campaign aimed at encouraging families nationwide to engage in new activities together, fostering a more active lifestyle.

Encouraging Family Fitness

The ‘New Moves Club’ is an integral part of the Government’s ‘Let’s Move!’ initiative, designed to motivate families through activities that can be completed in just 10 minutes, gradually contributing to the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity for children. Research indicates that while many parents desire to be more active with their families, nearly half (49%) do not consider themselves naturally sporty, and 61% tend to avoid activities altogether due to concerns about their performance.

Furthermore, 68% of parents acknowledge that their own inactivity makes it more challenging to encourage their children to be active. Current NHS guidelines suggest that children should engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, yet less than half of children in the UK are meeting this target.

Benefits Beyond Health

Participating in family activities offers more than just physical health benefits. The research highlights that families who move together enjoy increased quality time (53%), happier children (47%), and reduced screen time (45%). To combat inactivity among children aged 7 to 11, the Government’s latest phase of the ‘Let’s Move!’ campaign, featuring the ‘New Moves Club’, emphasises that the focus should not be on sporting prowess, but rather on shared enjoyment. For children, the primary motivator to engage in physical activities with their families is the simple desire to have fun (60%).

Inspiring Stories from Families

A new short film launched alongside the campaign features Charlie Brooks, a mother who, despite not considering herself traditionally sporty, relishes the opportunity to be active with her family. Together with Joe Wicks, she has visited various families, encouraging them to try activities they may have previously thought beyond their abilities, ranging from basketball and cricket to yoga and hula hooping.

Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock commented on the initiative, stating, “Every child deserves the chance to enjoy the benefits of being active. We know that children who engage in at least an hour of physical activity a day are generally happier and healthier. However, our research shows many parents lack the confidence to actively participate with their children. This year’s ‘Let’s Move!’ campaign celebrates the act of simply trying and, most importantly, having fun.”

Realising the Joy of Participation

Peacock encourages families to explore new activities together, whether it involves a casual kickabout in the park, a brief family walk after school, or a spontaneous dance party at home. When parents engage, even imperfectly, it fosters a sense of fun and achievement, helping children feel more confident and motivated to continue being active.

Charlie Brooks added, “Children don’t care whether you’re sporty or good at something; they just want you to join in. Some of the best moments I’ve shared with my daughter and my niece and nephew were not about perfect execution, but rather about the joy of simply being together, whether it was kicking a ball in the park or dancing in the kitchen.”

Overcoming Barriers to Activity

Despite the enthusiasm for family activity, 40% of parents cite a lack of time as a barrier to participation in physical activities with their children. The ‘Let’s Move!’ campaign aims to facilitate meeting NHS activity recommendations by encouraging families to incorporate short bursts of movement into their daily routines.

Wicks remarked, “Getting children active doesn’t have to involve expensive equipment or lengthy sessions. It can be as simple as dedicating ten minutes to movement and trying something new together. The key is to enjoy the experience; if you’re all having fun and getting your bodies moving, you’re doing it right.”

A Nationwide Commitment to Health

The campaign is part of a broader governmental strategy to promote a healthier, more active population, which includes a £400 million investment in grassroots facilities designed to enhance community access to fitness and sport. By fostering early physical activity habits, the aim is to help individuals maintain good health as they age, potentially preventing 3.2 million cases of long-term health conditions annually, according to Sport England.

This initiative highlights the importance of family engagement in physical activities, promoting not just fitness but also vital family bonding and the joy of shared experiences.