New research from Good Things and Sport England highlights how to reduce digital barriers to being active

Good Things Foundation, in collaboration with Sport England, is today publishing new research that builds on previous work to examine the critical link between digital exclusion and physical inactivity across the nation. This research explores the lived experiences of those who face digital barriers to being active. It also highlights steps being taken to support people with digital access and skills, and to make platforms for sport and physical activity more digitally accessible.

The findings are based on the understanding that digital skills and access are often hidden barriers to participation, whether that means finding local sports clubs, joining online fitness classes, or booking facilities. By bridging the digital divide, this report aims to inform how organisations can support the thousands who are currently digitally excluded to become more active.

Key findings and recommendations from the report include:

• The research identifies four primary digital obstacles to physical activity: access, skills and confidence, trust and safety, and user experience.
• It emphasises the need for organisations across the sport and physical activity sector to build their understanding of the digital needs of their clients, for example collecting data using the Indicators of Digital Inclusion 
• It highlights the importance of signposting to existing support with digital skills and access, for example provided by hubs in the National Digital Inclusion Network
• It calls for sport and physical activity providers to make their digital platforms more accessible and user-friendly for people with low digital skills, but also to ensure information is accessible via non-digital means.
• It recommends building place-based partnerships between sport and other sectors (such as health), to support digital inclusion across local systems 

Vicki Sellick MBE, CEO of Good Things Foundation, said:

“Publishing this new research with Sport England is a key moment for us. By combining our expertise in digital inclusion with Sport England’s ambition for an active nation, these findings show how we can help ensure that no one is left behind, whether they are looking to get online or get active.”

The publication of this research report marks an important step in acknowledging the critical link between digital poverty and health and social outcomes. We look forward to sharing further updates and stories of success throughout the year.