A new innovative public health campaign is aiming to get more residents outside to enjoy the benefits of the beautiful green spaces close to their homes.
'On Your Doorstep' encourages people to improve their health by taking advantage of the borough’s many parks, open spaces and unrivalled scenery.
Two-thirds of the borough of Rochdale is rural and a higher proportion of people live within 500 metres of woodland areas (29 per cent) than the average for England (15 per cent).
Despite this abundance of open space, fewer people (12 per cent compared to 18 per cent) use them for exercise and recreation.
As well as this, the borough has fewer physically active adults (59 per cent compared to 67 per cent) and obesity rates are far higher here for adults (31.3 per cent compared to 22 per cent).
The stark figures are outlined in the council’s annual public health annual report, led by Kuiama Thompson, director of public health and communities, who is passionate about the interplay between green spaces and health.
The report highlights the link between green spaces and health, with the findings now also brought to life through film, visual art, and Augmented Reality (AR).
A collection of inspiring films featuring local residents across all 5 townships has been created through Rochdale-based Breaking Barriers that show some of the many benefits being outside can offer to people of all ages – encouraging everyone to take advantage of the natural resources available to them.
Councillor Daalat Ali, cabinet member for health and a keen hiker who has trekked thousands of miles at home and abroad, said:
" We know how important our environment is to our health, but access isn’t equal and despite having so much green space available, only around 1 in 10 of the population are utilising the outdoor space for recreation.
“On Your Doorstep aims to address this imbalance and remind everyone that being outside not only rejuvenates the mind and body but also fosters a deeper connection within our local community, providing valuable health benefits. We want to inspire everyone to explore parks, gardens, and natural areas that can be quite literally accessed on their doorstep, or less than a 10-minute walk away - making it easier than ever to incorporate outdoor activities into daily routines.”
Autumn scene illustration by Lavinia, age 10.
The collaboration also brought inspiration from visual artist Babs Smith, working with Year 5 children from Kentmere Academy and Nursery to create a series of illustrative artworks showcasing their thoughts on what being outside means to them.
The children's artwork is cleverly brought to life using AR triggers, allowing viewers to engage in an immersive experience that showcases local events and activities through mobile devices to explore what's on your doorstep.
Babs Smith, visual artist, added:
“We’ve designed 5 interactive digital trigger images, utilising the children’s artwork that provides a dynamic, interactive way for people to experience and connect with these initiatives through their mobile device, making the report’s findings more accessible and engaging to the public.
“These installations will feature across the borough to inform and engage residents about local activities that promote mental and physical health - showcasing personal stories from local residents who’ve benefited from activities, bringing their experiences to life.”
Kentmere Academy and Nursery in Rochdale created the illustrations for the AR experiences.
The campaign officially launched at Reel Cinema in Rochdale where a wealth of project partners came together to discuss next steps and allow the children from Kentmere Academy and Nursery to have a sneak preview of the films and see their artwork on the big screen, followed by a special exhibition at Breaking Barrier’s studios.
- Watch the films online
- Follow the council’s social media for project updates using #OnYourDoorstep.