Recommendation 39

Sport and physical activity remain underrecognised within national health policy, despite strong evidence of their value for prevention, wellbeing and the management of longterm conditions, and despite the Government’s stated support. While England is regarded as a leader in social prescribing, provision remains inconsistent and lacks an overarching strategy. Gyms, leisure centres and community groups already play a substantial role— supporting musculoskeletal health, improving mental wellbeing and accommodating NHS referrals—but their potential is far from fully realised. Physical activity consistently delivers major physical and mental health benefits, yet it is still not fully embedded within health policy or treatment pathways. Given its proven ability to reduce illness, improve wellbeing and ease pressure on the NHS, the Government should integrate sport and physical activity more firmly into preventative health, mental health support and social prescribing. (Conclusion, Paragraph 129)