Move Together is designed to inspire residents to embrace movement as part of their daily lives.
It was launched by Active Black Country and the 4 Black Country councils earlier this month, and seeks to break down the barriers to activity, empowering every resident to become more physically active.
It will also raise awareness of the spaces and places where people can move more and be active and showcase the wealth of accessible activity opportunities across the region.
Sport England’s Active Lives Survey identifies the Black Country as the most inactive Active Partnership area within England. Latest data shows that 34.6% of adults were classed as inactive – a slight fall in inactivity rates over the last 12 months, but still a long way behind the national average of 25.1%.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, who was named Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community at the council’s AGM last Wednesday, said: "I warmly welcome the new Move Together campaign and, as a council, we are delighted to be part of its efforts to help people in Wolverhampton and across the Black Country increase their physical activity levels.
"Regular physical activity can help people improve their heart health, build strong bones and muscles, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and cut the risk of developing some health conditions.
"This campaign is all about how everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background, can become more physically active, whether that is at their local WV Active leisure centre or by joining one of the hundreds of activities, many of them free, taking place across the region – because, from walking cricket to wrestling and kabaddi, there’s bound to be something for all of us.
“Getting people active also forms a key part of Health and Wellbeing Together's Physical Activity Strategy, with Wolverhampton’s health and wellbeing board determined to create a city where everyone can be physically active every day.”
The campaign is fronted by Paralympic legend Ellie Simmonds MBE who said: "Being active has always been such an important part of my life. It hasn’t just been for my physical health, but for my confidence, mental health and happiness.
“The best thing is that you don’t even have to be an athlete to feel the benefits – or have ever done sports. Whether it’s a walk with friends, dancing in your living room, or joining a local group, moving and being active can make a massive difference.
“That’s why I’m so proud to support the Move Together campaign – because everyone deserves the chance to feel the joy and freedom that being active can bring.”
Active Black Country’s Chief Executive Ian Carey added: “Together with our strategic partners, we have developed an inspiring campaign that can motivate people from different backgrounds to move more and be physically active so they can enjoy the multiple health and wellbeing benefits that an active lifestyle provides.
“This campaign will showcase the breadth and diversity of activity opportunities on everyone’s doorsteps and show just how accessible they are, empowering Black Country residents to embrace movement as part of their daily lives.
“Thanks to Sport England for their ongoing financial support, the Move Together campaign champions the ‘Uniting the Movement’ strategy that aims to provide everyone in England – regardless of postcode, background or bank balance – the opportunity to get active.”
To find out more about the Move Together campaign and how you can get involved, visit Active Black Country. To find local activities, visit Black Country Moving.
