The result
The Active Well-being Initiative model can deliver significant benefits in fighting some of the key drivers of non-communicable diseases such as physical inactivity and poor lifestyles, while promoting mental health for all and social inclusion.
The Active Well-being Initiative (AWI) unites cities, organisations and people around the shared goal of reversing the trend of inactivity, thus improving the health, well-being and happiness of citizens in any kind of urban and cultural setting.
More active, healthy, happy and productive citizensPhysical activity and sport are known to bring many benefits in improving well-being and enhancing social and mental health. More active people means more healthy people. The AWI provides a proven approach which, when implemented, will result in more active, healthy, happy and productive citizens.
Boost visibility and attractivenessFor a relatively small and very smart investment, the AWI model can help increase visibility and attractiveness locally, regionally and internationally. Partner Cities and Organisations become part of a global “family” and are recognised as leaders in the fight against inactivity and NCDs.
Increase economic impactPhysical activity and well-being policies drive competitiveness and sustainable economic growth through inward investment, long-term planning, a more productive workforce and budget synergies. This leads to more active, healthy, productive citizens enjoying development in a more attractive city that makes savings in key budget areas, including health and social care.
The promotion of an active and healthy lifestyle is known to play a key role in countering the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the population. NCDs present not only a threat to human health in cities, but also have significant economic implications.
Healthier people build healthier societiesBy recognising the value of and improving the urban environment (streets, parks, workplaces, schools, etc.), the AWI and its partners strive for positive sustainable health development and enhanced quality of life for all. Healthier people have a contagion effect on others around them and we see growth in trends toward positive lifestyle behaviours. AWI Partner Cities can build connected communities of active, healthy and happy ambassadors who have the capacity to influence and support more like-minded citizens into their community.
A new sense of confidence for allAdopting the Active Well-being Initiative model provides cities, their partners and citizens with an enhanced sense of confidence and self-belief. Essentially, the approach is crafted to inspire positivity and change. It aims at building a better world through more active, healthy, happy people and communities, with a strong sense of being accessible for all. Whatever the resources of cities and the capacities of individuals (financially, physically, etc.), possibilites exist to address the pandemic of inactivity and the resulting burden and pain of non-communicable diseases.
