Mike Parker Chair 7 th December 2005

Mission Statement “A voluntary organisation promoting best practice in the area of health and physical activity”

Background Context During Mid 1990’s Physical inactivity was beginning to be recognised as a serious issue There was an increasing desire from health authorities to distinguish between physical activity and sport development Exercise referral schemes were becoming very popular but issues were emerging over training, quality and sustainability of schemes

Background Context A small group of like minded individuals met for the first time in 1995 Group continued meeting on a semi regular basis (increasing in size) and by ‘97 the group had identified a ‘role’ for itself By 1998 The group organised a successful NW conference on ‘physical activity development’

A practitioners workshop was organised - aiming to establish a commitment to make the Forum ‘official’ and to outline what the Forum should ‘Deliver On’ A core group of volunteers from different sectors agreed to take this forward and feedback to participants ‘Aims & Objectives’ & ‘Terms of reference’ established and agreed by the members Establishing the Forum

To share good practice in the area of physical activity and to liaise and inform relevant groups To promote a networking opportunity for those working within health and physical activity To be a regional body influencing regional strategies and activities and develop strong links with regional and national agencies and organisations Forum Aims

The Forum is governed by an official constitution written and agreed by it’s membership. Hosts an AGM for all members, any amends to constitution must involve an EGM It’s day to day work is managed by a steering group consisting of 14 individuals drawn from the membership (inc. Chair, vice and secretary) Managing The Forum

Membership The NWHPAF now has around 120 members representing 70 different organisations Members pay an annual subscription to the Forum which covers all administration costs and delegate fees for annual conference and 2 workshops The subscription fee is agreed by the membership at the AGM.

Current network Membership stretches right across the region and beyond including Cornwall and Northumbria Members receive Free delegate place at 1 annual conference and 2 workshops. Weekly updates, newsletters, access to the network to share their practice and seek advise Members are asked to contribute to national and regional consultations and activities

About to enter our 11 th unofficial year and membership continues to grow year on year Regularly consulted by central and regional government and other national and regional organisations Forum holds a key position on other regional and national bodies Current Network

Challenges for the Future The voluntary capacity of the Forum is now limiting its growth as the Forum is asked to get involved in more activities The Forum are about to carry out a SWOT Analysis of it’s membership and partners to inform new 3 year business and marketing plan This will be used to draw in funding to provide full/part time co-ordinator.

Challenges for the Future Strong leadership is needed to meet the challenges of the an ever changing and growing environment and to avoid becoming a ‘Top - Down’ organisation Must start to consider the image of the Forum in terms of how it markets and positions itself Developing a National Network/Link between other regional Forum?

The NW region was the first to establish this type of Forum The Forum was driven from the ground up and not top down and it has remained independent The Forum was focused on physical activity not sport and was perceived to be filling a real gap in support and networking Summary

The challenges thrown up by the growing membership and status of the Forum has now created some real challenges on how/if to develop As regional forum continue to be established a need for a national network is becoming more apparent - especially to effectively lobby at a national level Summary

Contact us: NWHPAF c/o Health & Fitness Development 3rd Floor, Central Library Town Hall Street, Blackburn BB2 1AA  MIKE PARKER  / 