Lifestyle Report Final

Blyth Valley

Lifestyle Survey 2002

Lifestyle Survey 2002

Baseline Study

Final Report

November 2002

Walking and Cycling

Sports and Leisure Local Facilities

Health and Illness Food and Eating

Cowpen

Cramlington East

Cramlington Eastfield and East Hartford

Cramlington North

Cramlington Parkside

Cramlington South East

Cramlington Village

Cramlington West

Croft

Hartley

Holywell

Isabella

Kitty Brewster

Newsham and New Deleval

Plessey

Seaton Deleval

Seghill

South Beach

South Newsham

Wensleydale

http://www.blythvalley.gov.uk/index.htm

Blyth Valley Lifestyle Survey 2002

2 Information By Design

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS....................................................................................................................... 4

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY......................................................................................................................... 5

1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 9

2 METHODOLOGY ......................................................................................................................... 10

Map of Blyth Valley Wards – Priority and Non-Priority ................................................................. 11 Map of Community Assembly Areas............................................................................................. 11 Note on weighting ......................................................................................................................... 12

3 DEMOGRAPHICS OF RESPONDENTS...................................................................................... 13

Age & Gender ............................................................................................................................... 13 Employment status ....................................................................................................................... 13 Standard Occupational Classification of Employed Respondents ............................................... 14 Length of Residence in Current Home ......................................................................................... 14 Income by Ward............................................................................................................................ 16

4 WALKING AND CYCLING........................................................................................................... 18

Walking as Part of Everyday Life.................................................................................................. 18 Cycling as Part of Everyday Life................................................................................................... 20 Blyth Valley Footpaths, Cycle Routes, and Bridleways................................................................ 21 Blyth Valley Walking and Cycling Map ......................................................................................... 21 Travelling to School ...................................................................................................................... 24

5 SPORT AND LEISURE ................................................................................................................ 25

Sporting Opportunities .................................................................................................................. 25 Rating Sports Provision ................................................................................................................ 26 Use of local facilities ..................................................................................................................... 27 Non Users ..................................................................................................................................... 31 Satisfaction ................................................................................................................................... 32 Sporting Activities ......................................................................................................................... 33 Reasons for Not Participating in Sport.......................................................................................... 34 Exercising At Home ...................................................................................................................... 36 Analysis of Sport ‘Active’ Residents ............................................................................................. 37 Who are the Sport Active?............................................................................................................ 38 Sport Active Respondents - Usage of Local Leisure Centres ...................................................... 39 Non Sport Active Respondents and Barriers to Activity ............................................................... 40 Sport Active Respondents - Perceived Health ............................................................................. 42 Respondents at risk? .................................................................................................................... 43 Clustering Respondents based on Demographics, Barriers and Health ...................................... 44



6 HEALTH ....................................................................................................................................... 45

Perceptions of Health ................................................................................................................... 45 Reasons for Health Perceptions ................................................................................................... 47 Long-Term Illness or Disability ..................................................................................................... 48 Looking after someone with a LTID.............................................................................................. 49 Illness............................................................................................................................................ 52 Weight........................................................................................................................................... 55

7 FOOD AND EATING .................................................................................................................... 56

Eating Patterns ............................................................................................................................. 56 Takeaway/Fast Food Meals.......................................................................................................... 56 Types of Food Eaten .................................................................................................................... 58 Stock of Fruit and Vegetables....................................................................................................... 59 Fruit and Vegetable Portions Eaten.............................................................................................. 60 Source of Purchase of Fruit and Vegetables................................................................................ 62 Respondents Who Don’t Eat Fruit or Vegetables......................................................................... 62

8 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................................................. 63



ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks are given to all those who were involved in this survey. The survey was initiated by David

Browning and Bruce Ledger who gave much support and encouragement throughout. Sonya Bales

assisted with the questionnaire design and feedback. The local fieldwork team at Blyth led by Ros

Cooper and Sue Clarke worked in all types of weather conditions to conduct the interviews. Finally

the residents of Blyth Valley gave generously of their time to respond to the survey.

The analysis and reporting of this survey has been undertaken by Linda Forsey, Kate Marshall, Eric

Okell, Andrew Parkinson, Rachel Waddington and Steve Wisher.

Information by Design Ltd

Newlands House

Newlands Science Park

Inglemire Lane

HULL

HU6 7TQ

Telephone: 01482 305125 Fax: 01482 305126

Information by Design Ltd

Blyth Community Enterprise Centre

Ridley Street

Blyth

NE24 3AG

Telephone: 01670 797875 Fax: 01670 542877



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

ASPECT KEY POINTS

Objective The Blyth Valley (BV) Lifestyle Survey was conducted to provide baseline information across all wards in BV on: use of the walking and cycling map; walking and cycling activity; food and eating; sports provision and levels of participation in physical activities; health and illness.

The Sample Face-to-face interviews were undertaken with 1,445 residents.

Approach The survey was conducted using a ‘local resource’, recruited from the community and based within the Community Enterprise Centre in Blyth.

Use of the Data The survey was seen very much as a ‘starting point’ for future activity in terms of better understanding the local community. We recommend that the data is held as a resource within the Borough, available for access by wide-ranging groups and individuals.

Analysis of the Data The survey data has been analysed by demographic variables, between the priority and non-priority wards of bv and for differences between the community assembly areas.

Residence Over a half of residents had lived in their current home for over 10 years, 17% for 2 years or less. Respondents in the Seaton Valley assembly area are more likely to have lived in their homes for 20 years or more.

Income Cramlington North had the largest average per-capita income, followed by Wensleydale then South Beach. The lowest average per-capita income was in Isabella followed by Plessey then Cowpen.

Walking and Cycling 78% of respondents walked as part of the daily life, usually to the shops or as a sport or hobby. For the largest walking group (walking to shop), 80% walked for 15 minutes or less. Those in the younger age groups (under 35) are less likely to walk as a sport or hobby. Only 15% cycled as part of their daily life.

Blyth Valley

Footpaths

65% had heard of the Blyth Valley footpaths and bridle ways. (61% in a priority ward, compared to 69% in a non-priority ward). 14% recalled seeing the Blyth Valley Walking and Cycling map before, despite no official public launch. Cramlington Eastfield and East Hartford was the ward where the lowest proportion of people recalled having seen the map (5%). In contrast, 23% of those in Wensleydale recalled the map. 67% felt they may use the map in the future, with likely future use to be weekly.



Children Travelling

to school

Proportionately more children walk to primary schools than secondary schools (72% primary compared to 58% secondary). Very few children cycle to school, and more secondary than primary school children use a bus.

Providing Sporting

Opportunities

80% of respondents felt that is was ‘very important’ to provide opportunities for sport and physical activity.

Rating Sports

Provision

Just over half of respondents felt that local sports provision was good or very good. Respondents in the Cramlington area were more likely to feel their sports provision is good. The lowest ranking ward regarding views of sports provision was Holywell.

Usage of and

Satisfaction with

Leisure Centres

Half of respondents had used Blyth Sports Centre at some stage in the past, 55% of respondents had used Concordia. Usage of the leisure centres in the last 4 weeks was more common for Concordia than Blyth. 29% had used one or more of the centres in the last 4 weeks. There is a clear tendency for Blyth residents to use BSC and for Cramlington residents to use Concordia. Residents from Seaton Valley tend to have lower usage of both. Blyth Sports Centre and Concordia both scored very highly on the satisfaction scale, the majority scoring 8 out of 10 or higher (10 being Very Satisfied). 1 in 10 respondents were a member of a sports or leisure club.

Sporting Activities The most popular sporting activities respondents had taken part in during the last 12 months were Walking and Hiking, Swimming and Keep fit. Women were more likely to swim and keep fit.

In the analysis, two groups were created – ‘Sport Active’ and ‘Non-sport Active’. Approximately a third of residents fell into the ‘active’ group, meaning they do some activity at least once a week.

‘Sport Active’ residents tend to be employed full-time & younger (and to a lesser extent male).

There is a key group of Sport Active residents who are not regular users of the local leisure centres. These could be encouraged to further use of centre provision.

Perceived Barriers The most popular reasons for not taking part in sporting activities were ‘Don’t have time’, disabled or health problems and ‘cant be bothered’. Residents in Priority wards are more likely to indicate ‘cant afford it’ than those in Non-priority wards. ‘I’m not fit enough’ was identified as a barrier, particularly for those aged 45+ – this would merit further examination.



Exercising at Home 56% of respondents do heavy housework with 43% gardening. 20% of respondents claimed to exercise at home, some using a bike or a rowing machine.

Perceived Health 60% of respondents felt their health was good or excellent, 11% felt it was poor. Of the people who felt their health was poor , the research suggests reasons were ‘I am overweight’, ‘cant get out to exercise’ and ‘health problems’. Respondents who thought their health was good gave reasons such as ‘I never go to the doctors’, ‘I can still get about’ and ‘I am never ill’.

Long term illness 25% of respondents indicated they had a long-term illness or disability. 14% look after someone with a long-term illness or disability.

Changing Health 60% of respondents indicated they wanted to do something to improve their health that they don’t do at the moment. Of the reasons given, the most popular were sports and exercise (33%), lose weight (26%) and improve diet (19%). Interestingly 15% wanted to reduce stress and 10% to reduce debt.

Illness & Smoking 25% of respondents suffered from back trouble with 17% suffering from high blood pressure. 32% of respondents in a Priority Ward smoked compared to 28% in a Non-Priority ward.

Perceived Weight 45% felt they were overweight (for their height); 48% of respondents felt that their weight was about right.

Takeaways 41% of respondents claim to have a takeaway at least once a week as a main meal. Cramlington North had the highest incidence (66% at least once a week) compared to the lowest in Seghill (24%). Younger people are more likely to eat a takeaways regularly. Almost a half of residents indicated that they ate 1-2 portions of both fruit & vegetables per day.

Portions of Fruit and

Vegetables

Almost a third of respondents ate three or more portions of both fruit and vegetables per day.

Stock of fruit and

Vegetables in house

Over 80% of respondents claimed to have fresh fruit and fresh vegetables in the house at the time of the interview. Priority wards were less likely to have stocks of fruit and vegetables.

Source of Purchase 80% of respondents buy their fruit and vegetables from the supermarket, with 17% buying their fruit and vegetables from a local vegetables shop.

Reasons for Not

Eating Fruit and

Vegetables

Some reasons given for not eating fruit and vegetables were ‘can’t be bothered to eat it’, ‘takes too long to cook’ and ‘don’t like the smell’.



Recommendations A number of recommendations are made in this report, including:

• that the data is held as a resource within the Borough, available for access by wide-ranging groups and individuals

• The BV Walking & Cycling map is utilized further in promoting local activity. This may include wider publicity of the map.

• Conduct further work with the ‘Sport Active’ group. They perceive fewer barriers and could highlight ways of overcoming barriers. This ‘active’ group could also be encouraged to make further use of local provision, generating additional revenues.

• Explore a number of options to overcome the ‘I’m not fit enough’ barrier, particularly amongst 45+ year olds.

• Satisfaction of users and non-users is monitored on a regular basis to provide both numerical and qualitative feedback on facilities. Further work is also suggested in Seaton Valley where usage levels are lower.

• In depth research with users of leisure centres to develop understanding of barriers to non-users.

• Further analysis of the data covering aspects people would like to do to keep healthy should be undertaken and potentially more in depth research with respondents should be recommended

• For future surveys, some questions require either amending or use of an alternative method to provide the information. This is particularly the case with questions on food consumption.



1 Introduction

The initial motivation for a lifestyle survey for Blyth Valley stemmed from discussions around

the provision of a baseline study for the health impact of the walking and cycling routes of the

Blyth Valley area. This was required firstly to measure the impact of the walking and cycling

map, and also to provide a baseline for developmental work on health related walking and

cycling in the Blyth area. In order to fund such a study, it was felt that it would be useful to

collaborate with an area which required similar types of indicators. It was therefore agreed

that the Sports Council indicators, which were necessary for informing work in the sport and

leisure area, would be built into the survey – these were pre-designed questions from the

Sports Council. It was also felt that it would be useful to include aspects relating to diet,

particularly the ‘five portions a day’ campaign, which would help to support initiatives in the

area on healthy eating. Also included were general questions relating to health status and

limiting long-term illness. As such, the survey was conducted to provide baseline information

across all wards on:

• Use of the Walking and Cycling map

• Walking and Cycling activity

• Food and eating

• Sports Provision and Levels of participation in physical activities

• Health and Illness

This report presents a summary of findings from the research, conducted in the summer of

2002. It provides baseline information on a range of aspects and indicators which will be re-

measured in future similar surveys in the area.



2 Methodology

2.1 The following method was used to conduct the survey:

• A total of 1445 residents aged 18 and over were interviewed across the 20 wards in Blyth Valley

using face-to-face interviews in residents’ homes.

• The survey was conducted using a team of staff employed from the Blyth Valley area, who were

based in the Community Enterprise Centre in Blyth.

• Interviews were conducted between 4 and 8 pm during the week, and during the day at the

weekend, to attempt to reach a good cross-section of the population.

• Wards were sub-divided geographically and interviews carried out in each sub-division - this was

designed to give a representative sample within each ward.

• The wards were categorised as either ‘priority’ wards or ‘non-priority’ wards on the basis of their

Index of Multiple Deprivation ranking. Eight ‘priority’ wards were identified:

- Cowpen

- Cramlington East

- Cramlington Eastfield & East Hartford

- Cramlington West

- Croft

- Isabella

- Kitty Brewster

- Plessey

• A target of 100 interviews was set for ‘priority’ wards, and 50 interviews for ‘non-priority’ wards.

Targets were achieved for all wards. The map below shows the wards in which interviews were

conducted: the red wards are priority wards, the blue non-priority.



Map of Blyth Valley Wards – Priority and Non-Priority

South Beach

Plessy

Croft

Wensleydale

South Newsham


SeghillHolywell

Cramlington East

Seaton Delaval

Isabella

Cramlington Eastfield& East Hartford

Cramlington North

Newsham & New Delaval

Cowpen

Kitty Brewster

HartleyCramlington Village


Cramlington West

2.2 Results in this report are presented to highlight differences between the Priority/Non-Priority

wards. In addition, results are available to compare the community assembly areas.

Map of Community Assembly Areas

Cramlington West

South Newsham

South Beach

PlessyWensleydale


Isabella

Croft


Seghill

Cramlington Village

Cramlington East


Seaton Delaval

Cramlington North

Cowpen

Kitty Brewster


Holywell

Hartley



Note on weighting

2.3 In survey work it is sometimes convenient to allocate more than the ‘fair share’ of interviews to

a certain subgroup. So, for example, in this survey the priority wards contained 100

interviewees whilst the non-priority wards comprised 50 interviewees. Perhaps the most

common reason for such allocations is when one might reasonably expect to find much more

variability in say the priority wards than in the non-priority wards. When there is a great deal

of variability in a target group then to estimate average figures reliably requires larger

samples.

However when such allocations are used then appropriate adjustments have to be made to

the survey data actually collected – to ‘weight’ it back to the ‘true’ population picture. This has

been undertaken in this survey. In simple terms if all the wards are approximately the same

size, then the 50 interviewees in the non-priority wards are representing the same number of

people as the 100 interviewees in priority wards. So in a sense, a non-priority ward

interviewee represents twice as many people as a priority ward interviewee. This is reflected

in the weights chosen.

2.4 Further, the use of weights gives the additional benefit of allowing one to make adjustments

for variables whose distributions are known. So in this survey (though lacking up-to-date

detailed ward level figures, given that the 2001 Census data is not yet available) it is safe to

assume that the split in each ward of male /female should be 50/50. The weights have been

chosen so that the sample reflects a population which is split 50/50 male/female in each ward

and also the ward sizes are approximately equal.



3 Demographics of Respondents

Age & Gender

3.1 Overall, 40% of those interviewed were aged under 45. The age profile was as follows:

Age Profile of Respondents

0

5

10

15

20

25

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65-74 75

+

Refuse

d

%

3.2 Completed interviews were conducted with 588 men and 857 women. In the analysis

results are weighted to reflect a 50:50 split in gender.

Employment status

3.3 Overall, 51% of those interviewed were employed either full or part-time; 9% were not

working/unemployed. This latter figure compares with the unemployment rate for the North-

East of 6.5% (September 2002).

Employment Status

05

1015202530354045

Full-tim

e

Part-tim

e

Look

ing A

fter H

ome/Fam

ily

Not worki

ng/U

nemplo

yed

Retired

Other

%



3.4 Using Standard Occupational Classifications for the UK, those working had the following

profile.

Standard Occupational Classification of Employed Respondents

Occupation %

Managers and senior officials 5

Personal service occupations 8

Elementary occupations 9

Administrative and secretarial occupations 17

Sales and customer service occupations 13

Skilled trade occupations 18

Associate professional and technical occupations 8

Process plant and machine operatives 9

Professional occupations 12

3.5 Of those in employment, 34% said they supervised other staff at work.

Length of Residence in Current Home

3.6 Over a half of residents had lived in their current home for over 10 years, 17% for 2

years of less.

Length of Residence in Current Home

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Under 1Year

1-2Years

3-5Years

6-10Years

11-20Years

20+Years

%



3.7 There are significant differences in length of residence in current home between Priority and

Non-priority areas, and between the Community Assembly Areas. A greater proportion of

residents in the Priority Wards had lived in their current home for 2 years or less (19%,

compared to 14% in non-priority wards).

Length of Residence at current home by ward status

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Under 1Year

1-2Years

3-5Years

6-10Years

11-20Years

20+Years

%

Priority Ward Non-Priority Ward

A greater proportion of residents in the Seaton Valley Community Assembly Area had lived in

their current home for 10+ years (55% in Seaton Valley, 53% in Blyth, 51% in (Cramlington).

Length of Residence at current home by community assembly

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Under 1Year

1-2 Years 3-5 Years 6-10Years

11-20Years

20+Years

%

Seaton Valley Blyth Cramlington



Income by Ward

3.8 Individuals interviewed were asked to give details of their household income. This is a difficult

question for some respondents: for example, some think in terms of annual income, some

weekly; some use disposable income, some gross; some include the wages earned by sons

and daughters; some are unsure of exact amounts here. Given this, we have used the

income data in this survey largely as a cross check for priority/non-priority ward. If the data is

to be used more fully in future surveys, we would recommend a more detailed question set to

obtain accurate data.

3.9 The following chart gives the indicator of individual income by ward. This has been calculated

by dividing estimated household income buy household size – and so represents per capita

income. As should be expected, the results largely reflect the ward IMD score – the high IMD

wards of Cowpen, Plessey and Isabella showing lowest per capita income.

Indicator of individual income by ward (£)

0 2 4 6 8 10 12

Isabella

Plessey

Cowpen

Kitty Brewster

Croft

Newsham & new Delaval

Seghill

Cramlington Eastfield & East Hartford

Cramlington East

Cramlington Village

South Newsham

Cramlington West

Seaton Delaval



Holywell

South Beach

Wensleydale

Cramlington North

Hartley

£Thousands



3.10 The following chart shows the upper and lower quartiles for the per-capita income data (shown

as 25th percentile and 75th percentile respectively). The lower quartile (shown in brown)

shows the poorest 25% of each ward, for example in Isabella, the bottom 25% have incomes

of approximately £3000 or less per annum.

Indicator of Household Income - Qualities by Ward

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Isabe

lla

Plesse

y

Cowpe

n

Kitty Brew

ster

Croft

Newsh

am & ne

w Dela

val

Seghil

l

Cramlin

gton E

astfie

ld & E

ast H

artfor

d

Cramlin

gton E

ast

Cramlin

gton V

illage

South

Newsh

am

Cramlin

gton W

est

Seaton

Dela

val

Cramlin

gton S

outh

East

Cramlin

gton P

arksid

e

Holywell

South

Beach

Wen

sleyd

ale

Cramlin

gton N

orth

Hartley

%Percentile 25thMedianPercentile 75th

In general, the lower quartile follows the median per capita income – as average income

increases, the income of the poorest 25% increases. The comparison between Isabella (the

poorest ward by this measure) and Hartley (the most affluent by this measure) is interesting.

Here the difference in average income is circa £7,500 up to circa £12,500; the lowest quartile

rising from c. £3,000 to c. £9,000 per annum.



4 Walking and Cycling

Walking as Part of Everyday Life

Question: Do you walk or cycle as part of your everyday life?

4.1 Overall 78% indicated that they walked as part of their daily life, whereas 22% did not.

Walking was most common for the purpose of shopping (55%), or as a sport or hobby. As

might be expected, women were more likely to walk to school than men (12% of females

compared to 5% males), but there were no other differences by gender.

Walking As Part of Everyday Life

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

To work ToSchool

Whilst atwork

ToLeisureActivity

As asport orhobby

To Shop

%

4.2 The above figures are slightly distorted because they are based on all respondents to the

survey, rather than for example, those who were working for the category ‘walking to work’.

So, of the respondents who were working 16% of these walked to work (compared to approx.

9% of all respondents).

4.3 There is little difference in the levels of walking activity between the priority and non-priority

wards. A slightly higher proportion of people in priority wards walk to work and to school – in

non-priority wards there are a greater proportion walking to leisure activities or as a sport or

hobby.



4.4 The survey collected information on the ‘amount’ of walking and cycling undertaken. The

results highlight limited levels of activity. Of those who walked to work, 69% walked for fifteen

minutes or less (for the single journey to work). For the largest walking group (walking to

shop), 80% walked for 15 minutes or less.

Walking as Part of Everyday Life, by Priority/Non-Priority Ward

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

To work To School To Shop To LeisureActivity

Whilst at work As a sport orhobby

Priority Non Priority

4.5 For those who walk as a sport or hobby, there are some differences by age. Those in the

younger age groups (under 35) are less likely to walk as a sport or hobby.

Walking as a Sport or Hobby

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+

%

As a Sport or Hobby



Cycling as Part of Everyday Life

4.6 Overall only 15% of respondents interviewed in Blyth Valley cycle as part of their daily lives -

of these, 8% cycle as a sport or hobby.

Cycling As Part of Everyday Life

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Whilst atwork

To School To LeisureActivity

To Shop To work As a sport orhobby

%

4.7 There were difference by age here - a greater proportion of those in the age groups 25-64

cycle as a sport or hobby. Of those who cycled to work, 61% cycled for fifteen minutes or less

(for the single journey to work).

Cycling As a Sport or Hobby

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+

%



Blyth Valley Footpaths, Cycle Routes, and Bridleways

Question: Have you heard of the Blyth Valley Footpaths, Cycle Routes, and Bridleways?

4.8 65% of respondents had heard of the Blyth Valley Footpaths, Cycle Routes, and Bridleways.

This comprised of 61% of those in priority wards compared to 69% in non-priority wards.

4.9 Those aged 35-54 were more likely to have heard of the routes than other age groups – this

age group have previously been shown to be more active & higher usage may also be due to

higher presence of children in these age groups.

Respondents who had heard of the BV Walking and Cycling Maps, by age

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+

Blyth Valley Walking and Cycling Map

Question: Have you seen this map before today? (Respondents shown BV Walking and Cycling Map)

4.10 Having been shown the Blyth Valley Walking and Cycling map, 14% recalled seeing the map

in the past. It is worth noting that the map has had no formal ‘public launch’ but has been

available at various places across the borough. The results point to 1 resident in 7 having

previously seen the map. Those aged 35-44 were the age group most likely to have seen the

map before today – 19% of this group recalled the map.



4.11 There are some differences across the wards in the proportion of those having seen the map

‘before today’. Cramlington Eastfield and East Hartford was the ward where the lowest

proportion of people recalled having seen the map (5%). In contrast, 23% of those in

Wensleydale recalled the map.

South Beach

South Newsham

Plessy


SeghillHolywell

Cramlington East

Seaton Delaval

IsabellaWensleydale


Cramlington North


Cowpen

Kitty Brewster

Hartley

Croft

Cramlington Village


Cramlington West

% Have seen the map before today

16% +>14% to 16%>12% to 14%>11% to 12%

6% to 11%

Question: Do you think you might use this map? (Having allowed respondents to look at the BV

Walking and Cycling Map). And if so, how often?

4.12 Having looked at the Blyth Valley Walking and Cycling map, two-thirds (67%) of respondents

said that they might use the map in the future, with those aged 35-54 being most likely to

suggest that they would use it.

4.13 Of those who said that they might use the map, approximately 60% said they would use it at

least weekly. Those in priority wards were more likely to state that they would use the map at

least weekly if it was available to them (64% weekly usage in priority wards, 58% in non-

priority wards). Analysis at ward level, suggests that there are also differences between

wards – in Kitty Brewster and Wensleydale, there were a greater proportion who said they

would use the map at least weekly.

4.14 Of those who said that they would use the map, 52% said they would use it for walking. 27%

said they would use it for cycling, 0.6% for horse riding (all female), and 11% for general use.



4.15 approximately 60% of those who said they would use the map suggested they would use it at

least weekly.

Frequency of Potential Use of Map

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Daily Weekly Monthly Annually Other

Question: If you would not use the map, why not?

4.16 Those who stated they would not use the map gave various reasons, including age, health

related (angina, back problems, bad heart), inability to walk very far (or for long distances).

Some also indicated that they didn’t need the map – having good knowledge of the local area.

The results here give information for potential ‘marketing’ of the walking and cycling map. For

example to target ‘raising interest levels in Walking and Cycling’, to assist those less able to

walk to benefit from the routes.

Reasons for Non-use of the Map

05

1015202530354045

Age

Knowled

ge of

area

Illnes

s

Lack

of In

teres

t

Lack

of sk

ills

Lack

of tim

e

Disabil

ity

Inabil

ity to

walk

Use of

othe

r tran

sport

%



Question: How often would you use any of the ‘Blyth Valley’ Walking and Cycling routes (with or

without the map)?

4.17 Many of the Blyth Valley walking and cycling routes are used as routes to shopping or leisure

facilities. When asked, almost 50% said they would use the routes at least weekly.

Frequency of Use of Map

0%

20%

40%

Daily Weekly Fortnightly Monthly Less Often Never

Travelling to School

Question: How do your children get to school?

4.18 Respondents with children of school age were asked what type of school they attend and how

they get there. Proportionately more children walk to primary schools than secondary schools

(72% primary compared to 58% secondary). Very few children cycle to school, and more

secondary than primary school children use a bus.

Method of ‘Transport’ to School

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Walk Cycle Bus Car

%

Primary Secondary

These results provide a benchmark for local ‘walk to school’ initiatives. They are also

interesting in conjunction with the Sport England initiative to increase the proportion of 11-15

year olds taking exercise 4 times a week or more.



5 Sport and Leisure

Sporting Opportunities

Question: How important do you think it is to provide opportunities for people to participate in sport

and physical activity?

5.1 Providing opportunities for people to participate in sport and physical activity is clearly

important to residents of Blyth Valley. 80% indicated that it was ‘very important’.

Importance of Providing Opportunities for Sport and Physical Activity

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Very important Fairly important Neither Fairly unimportant Very unimportant

%

Very Important to Provide Opportunities for Sport and Physical Activity, by Age

6668707274767880828486

18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+

%

There are some difference by age here - for the age ranges 25-74, at least 80% felt that it was

important to provide opportunities for sport and physical activity – only the youngest and

eldest age groups felt it was slightly less important.



Rating Sports Provision

Question: How do you rate the overall level of sports provision in your local area?

5.2 Over half (52%) of the respondents felt their local sports provision was either good or very

good, with only 15% stating it was poor or very poor.

5.3 There are clear differences in opinions of sports provision across the BV wards. Residents in

Holywell were less likely to think provision was good or very good; those in the Cramlington

Wards generally were more likely to have positive opinions of sports provision.

Perceptions of Sports Provision, by Ward

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Holywell

Seaton Delaval

Plessey

Seghill

Croft

Isabella


South Newsham

Cowpen

Kitty Brewster

South Beach

Cramlington West


Wensleydale

Hartley


Cramlington North

Cramlington East


Cramlington Village

%



Use of local facilities

Question: Which of these facilities have you used? How often have you used it?

5.4 Respondents were asked about their usage of Blyth Sports Centre (BSC), Concordia Leisure

Centre (CLC), local parks, private health clubs and local community centres/facilities. A half of

respondents had used BSC and 55% had used CLC at some stage in the past. Usage of the

centres in the last 4 weeks was more common for Concordia than Blyth. A third of

respondents had used the local park within the last 4 weeks. In total, 29% of those

interviewed had used either BSC or CLC in the last 4 weeks. There were few differences in

usage by gender.

Usage of Local Leisure Facilities

0102030405060708090

100

Blyth SportsCentre

ConcordiaLeisure Centre

Private HealthClub

Local Parks LocalCommunity

Centre

%

Ever used Used in the last 4 weeks Never used



5.5 There are differences between priority and non-priority wards in terms of whether they had

‘ever used’ a leisure centre in the past. A greater proportion of residents in a non-priority area

have used Concordia (compared to Blyth), however proportionately more people in a priority

area (52%) have used a local park compared to those in a non-priority area (45%).

Usage in the Past of Local Leisure Facilities, by Priority/Non-Priority Ward

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Blyth SportsCentre

Concordia LeisureCentre

Private HealthClub

Local Parks Local CommunityCentre

%


5.6 Usage in the last 4 weeks shows a greater proportion of respondents from non-priority areas

using Concordia compared to Blyth.

Usage in Last 4 weeks of Local Leisure Facilities

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Blyth SportsCentre

ConcordiaLeisure Centre

Private HealthClub

Local Parks Local CommunityCentres

%




5.7 The age breakdown of users in the last 4 weeks highlights proportionately more younger users

(under the age of 44). A larger proportion of Concordia users are aged 25-34, Blyth users

tend to be younger. Private health club users are more likely to be aged under 44. (Note that

usage figures excludes parks and community centres hence total is less than 100%.

Users of Leisure Centres by Age

0

10

20

30

40

50

18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+

%

Blyth Sports Centre Concordia Leisure Centre Private Health Club

5.8 Results by ward show a clear geographic polarization; those from Cramlington tending to use

Concordia; those from Blyth wards tending to use Blyth Sports Centre. The graphs below

show the ‘local wards’ in yellow. For Concordia, the Cramlington wards are shown in yellow,

similarly for BSC the Blyth wards are shown in yellow. It is interesting to note that a smaller

proportion of the Blyth residents have used BSC within the last four weeks; a greater

proportion of those from Cramlington wards have used Concordia over the last four weeks.

The Seaton Valley residents (of Seaton Delaval, Hartley, Seghill and Holywell) have low

usage of Blyth Sports Centre, but also at best ‘middle ranging’ usage of Concordia.



Used Blyth Sports Centre in last 4 weeks

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Cramlington West

Cramlington Village


Holywell

Seghill

Hartley

Cramlington North

Cramlington East



Seaton Delaval

Plessey

Isabella

Cowpen

Kitty Brewster

Croft


Wensleydale

South Beach

South Newsham

%

Used Concordia in last 4 weeks

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Plessey

Wensleydale


South Beach

Cowpen

Seghill

Seaton Delaval

Cramlington West



%



Non Users

5.9 Overall, a half of respondents had ‘never used’ Blyth Sports Centre – fairly similar proportions

in both priority and non-priority wards. The differences for Concordia are much larger.

Respondents who have never used Concordia are more likely to be from a priority ward,

alternatively non users of Blyth Sports Centre are more likely to be in a non-priority ward

(small differences here).

Non Usage of Leisure Centres, Priority/Non-Priority Wards

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Blyth SportsCentre

Concordia LeisureCentre

Private HealthClub

Local Parks Local CommunityCentres

%


5.10 Examining the results by age indicates that, as might be expected, as age increases

respondents are more likely to have ‘never used’ the facilities.

Non Usage of Leisure Centres, by Age

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

110

18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+

%

Blyth Sports Centre Concordia Leisure Centre Private Health Club



Satisfaction

Question: How satisfied were you with these facilities (on a scale of 1 to 10)?

5.11 Respondents who have used any leisure centre, park or health club were asked to rate how

satisfied they were on a 10 point scale, 1 being not very satisfied and 10 very satisfied, results

are as follows:

Satisfaction with Facilities

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Not verysatisfied

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 VerySatisfied

%

Blyth Sports Centre Concordia Leisure CentrePrivate Health Club Local Parks

5.12 Blyth and Concordia both scored very highly on the satisfaction scale, the majority scoring 8

out of 10 or higher.

Question: Are you a member of a sports or leisure club for a particular activity?

Have you spent any time helping to organise sport on a voluntary basis? How many hours do you

contribute?

5.13 Just under 1-in-10 (9%) of those interviewed were a member of a sports or leisure club for an

indoor activity (such as badminton). 4% were members of an outdoor club, and 7% members

of a club for some other sporting activity.

In total, 7% had previously spent time helping to organise sport on a voluntary basis. Half of

these helped out weekly, the rest less often than this. Interestingly, those contributing on a

weekly basis committed 8 hours per week on average.



Question: Are you aware of any special projects, facilities or events in your area?

5.14 13% of those interviewed were aware of some form of special projects, facilities or events.

Whilst many of the responses to this question were standard clubs and activities, many

mentioned skateboarding events and facilities. Others mentioned: walking clubs, football

camp, fun runs, holiday events for kids.

Sporting Activities

Question: Do you take part in any of these sports and leisure activities?

5.15 Respondents were asked if they had taken part in any sporting activity in the last 12 months,

and were given prompted responses based on 40 sports to choose from. The top 10 sports

mentioned (based on the last 12 months) are walking and hiking (24%), and Swimming (21%)

Activities Undertaken in last 12 Months

0 5 10 15 20 25

Walking and hiking

Swimming

Keep Fit

Cycling

Golf

Weight Training

Outdoor football

Indoor Football

Badminton

Jogging

%

Top 10 Sports last 12 months



5.16 For the top 10 mentioned sports, as expected, there were differences by gender. For

swimming, 24% of women did this in the last year compared to 17% of males; 16% of females

do keep fit, compared to 6% males. In contrast, men are far more likely to play golf, football,

weight train and jog than females.

Activities Undertaken, by Gender

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Swimming

Keep Fit

Cycling as a sport

Golf

Weight Training

Outdoor Football

Indoor Football

Jogging

% Men Female

Reasons for Not Participating in Sport

Question: Which of these are reasons that you don’t take part in (sporting) activities?

5.17 The main reason respondents gave for not participating in sport were ‘don’t have time’ (30%),

disabled or have health problems (26%) and “cant be bothered” (9%)

Reasons for Not Participating in Sport

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

I can't afford it

No childcare provision

I am not fit enough

I can't be bothered

I am disabled / have healthproblems

I don't have time



5.18 In priority wards respondents were more likely to say ‘can’t afford it’ than those in a non-

priority ward. In addition, those in priority wards were more likely to give ‘prefer non-sporting

activities’ and ‘childcare’ as reasons for not participating. Respondents in non-priority wards

were more likely to be ‘not bothered’ or ‘feel they are not fit enough’ compared to priority

wards.

Reasons for Not Participating by Ward Status

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

I prefer non sportingactivites eg. Reading

I can't afford it

No Childcare Provision

I am not fit enough

I can't be bothered

I am Disabled / Have HealthProblems

I don't have time

Priority Ward Non Priority Ward

5.19 Analysis by gender indicates that women were more likely to indicate they ‘don’t have time’

(33%, compared to 26% of men). Males are more likely than women to give ‘cant be bothered’

or ‘I am not fit enough’ as reasons for non-participation.

5.20 Examining reasons for not participating in sport and leisure activities across the various age

groups, highlights the following:

• Younger residents are more likely to give ‘lack of childcare’ or ‘childcare too expensive’ as

a reason. ‘I can’t afford it’ is also more common as a reason for younger people.

• Elderly residents, as expected, are more likely to indicate ‘disability or health problems’

are reasons for non-participation.

• ‘I am not fit enough’ is most commonly cited by the 55-64 year olds (and 18-24 year olds

to a lesser extent).

• Lack of time is a key reason for not participating in sport for 35-54 year olds.



Reasons for Not Participating in Sport by Age

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+

No Childcare I am disabled / have health problemsI am not fit enough I cannot afford itI can't be bothered I don't have time

Exercising At Home

5.21 Respondents were asked how often they exercise at home. This included both home related

activities, and home fitness activities. 56% of respondents claimed to do heavy housework,

with 43% gardening. Nearly 20% of respondents indicated that they exercise at home, some

using an exercise bike or rowing machine.

Exercising at Home

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Using an Exercise Tape

Other

Shopping With YoungChildren

Exercise Bike / RowingMachine

Heavy Gardening

Heavy Housework

%



5.22 Respondents in non-priority wards are more likely to do heavy housework and heavy

gardening (60%) compared to those in priority wards.

Exercise at Home by Priority/Non-Priority Wards

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Exercise Bike /Rowing Machine

Using anExercise Tape

HeavyHousework

HeavyGardening

Shopping withYoung Children

%


5.23 Women are more likely to indicate they did heavy housework (68% of women, compared to

45% of men).

5.24 7% of respondents said they do some type of sports and leisure activities at work – 4%

organised by the company, 3% by work colleagues.

Analysis of Sport ‘Active’ Residents

5.25 Further analysis of the data on sport and leisure activities has been conducted by creating an

‘indicator of sporting activity’. This allows us to assign each person in the survey to a ‘sport

active’ group or a ‘non-sport active’ group. This then allows us to examine, for example, the

profile of each group, the barriers to activity perceived by each group, etc.

The indicator has been developed as follows:

• From the data on involvement in 40 prompted sport or physical activities, each

individual has been classified as ‘sport active’ if they participate in at least one activity, at least once a week.

• If they do not, they are classed as ‘non-sport active’.

On the basis of this definition, the sport active group comprises 37% of those interviewed,

63% are not sport active.



Who are the Sport Active?

5.26 The largest proportion of ‘sport active’ respondents are employed full-time (48%). As might be

expected, respondents who are not ‘sport active’ are more likely to be retired. However, 35%

of people working full-time are not ‘sport active’.

Analysis of ‘Sport Active’ by Employment Status

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Yes No Unsure

%

Sport Active Non Sport Active

5.27 There are clear differences by age, with younger respondents (44 and under) being more

likely to be ‘sport active’ compared to those in the older age groups. However, over half of

those who are not ‘sport active’ are aged under 54. Males are slightly more likely to be ‘sport

active’ (54%) compared to females (46%).

Analysis of ‘Sport Active by Age

0

10

20

30

18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 64-74 75+

Sport Active Non sport Active



5.28 42% of respondents in both Seaton Valley and the Cramlington Assembly areas are ‘sport

active’. However, in the Blyth assembly area only 31% of respondents are ‘sport active’.

Analysis of ‘Sport Active’ by Assembly Area

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Seaton Valley Blyth Cramlington

%


Sport Active Respondents - Usage of Local Leisure Centres

5.29 Overall, previous results show 29% of adult residents in the BV area using either Blyth Sports

Centre (BSC) or Concordia Leisure Centre (CLC) in the last 4 weeks. The results differ for

those who are sport active and those who are non-sport active.

% Who have used BSC or CLC in the last

4 weeks

Sport Active

47%

Non-Sport Active

22%

Almost a half (47%) of the ‘sport active’ group have used one of he centres in the last 4

weeks. Clearly, the 53% of ‘sport active’ people who have not used Blyth or Concordia are

either engaged in ‘outdoor’ activities or are using other sport/leisure centres.

5.30 If this data is viewed from a slightly different perspective, the following chart can be produced.

Here, of those who have used Blyth or Concordia in the last 4 weeks, 54% are ‘sport active’,

46% are ‘non sport active’. This 46% non active group would appear to be a potential target

to encourage increased activity (they have visited a facility in the last 4 weeks, but are not

regularly taking part in physical activity).



Analysis of ‘Sport Active’ by Usage of Blyth Sports Centre and Concordia

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Used B+C last 4 weeks Not used B+C last 4 weeks

%


Non Sport Active Respondents and Barriers to Activity

5.31 Respondents who are not ‘sport active’ who work full time are more likely to give a reason of

‘don’t have time’ as a barrier to sport and physical activity. Over 20% of part time workers felt

they couldn’t be bothered. Respondents at home looking after family felt their major barrier was having no child care.

‘Non-sport Active’ – Barriers and Employment Status

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Full time

Part Time

Home/Family

Not working

Retired

No child care Disabled Not fitCant afford it Cant be bothered Don’t have timeOther



5.32 Examining barriers for the non sport active respondents by age, points to the following:

• Younger respondents are more likely to give ‘no child care’ as a barrier

• The age group 35-54 give ‘don’t have time’

• Older age groups highlight disability as a barrier.

‘Non-sport Active’ – Barriers and Age

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

18-24

25-34

34-44

45-54

55-64

65-74

75+


5.33 Examining these results between the Community Assembly areas shows some differences;

those from Seaton Valley being more likely to highlight disability as a barrier compared to

those in Blyth and Cramlington areas who were more likely to give lack of time as a barrier.

These results are partially a reflection of the age profiles of the Community Assembly areas.

‘Non-sport Active’ – Barriers and Community Assembly Area

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Seaton Valley

Blyth

Cramlington




Sport Active Respondents - Perceived Health

5.34 Respondents in the sport active group are more likely to feel that their health is good or

excellent compared to those who are not sport active (see later in report for full details of

perceived health questions). Correspondingly, those who are not sport active are more likely

to perceive their health as fair or poor.

Perceptions of own Health by Sport Active/Non Active

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't Know

%


5.35 Interestingly, respondents who are ‘sport active’ are slightly more likely to feel there are things

they would like to do (but don’t) to improve their health. This could be explained by more sport

active people being more aware of health issues, and may merit further research on these

issues with the sport active group.

Things you would like to do to keep Healthy by Area

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Yes No Unsure

%




Respondents at risk?

5.36 The data from the survey allows us to create and examine a group of residents potentially ‘at

risk’. We have defined this group as those who perceive their health to be excellent or good,

but are not ‘sport active’. The chart below shows those who perceive their health as excellent

or good, by whether they are sport active or not, and by age. The ‘at risk’ group are those with

red bars in the diagram. The diagram illustrates that as age increases, the ‘at risk’ group

becomes larger than the not at risk group. Further analysis of this group may be useful.

Residents Who Perceive Health as Excellent or Very Good by 'Sport Active' and Age

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+

%

Sport Active Non Active



Clustering Respondents based on Demographics, Barriers and Health

5.37 Using the statistical technique of correspondence analysis, groups of people can be identified

based on their demographics, barriers to sport and how they rate their health. The diagram

below illustrates the results. The 45+ age group and lower income groups give barriers of ‘I’m

not fit’ or ‘Prefer non-sporting activities’; they perceive their health as Fair. In contrast, the

analysis creates a cluster of employed full-time or part-time, who have higher incomes, and

are aged 35-45. These perceive ‘time’ as a key barrier, but think their health is excellent or

good.

Demographics – Green

Barriers - Blue

Health - Red

Employed FT or PT High income

35-45

I don’t have time

Excellent or Good Health

18-34 Look after

home

Childcare issues,

75+

Disability

Low income

Poor Health

45+ Lower income

I’m not fit, Prefer non-

sporting Activities

Fair Health



6 Health

Perceptions of Health

Question: Would you say that for someone of your age, your own health is generally excellent, good,

fair, poor, don’t know?

6.1 Over 60% of residents felt their health was either excellent or good. This result is in line with

the Health Survey for England, which indicates that in 1998, over 70% of adults aged 16-77

thought their health was good or very good. In Blyth Valley, 37% consider their health to be

fair or poor.

Perceptions of Own Health

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Excellent Good Fair Poor

%

6.2 Residents in priority wards were less likely to perceive their health as excellent or good, and

more likely to think that their health was fair.

Perceptions of Own Health, by Priority and Non-Priority Ward

0

10

20

30

40

50

60


%




6.3 Similarly, women were less likely to think their health was excellent, and more likely than men

to think that their health was fair.

Perceptions of Own Health, by Gender

0

10

20

30

40

50

60


%

Male Female

6.4 As might be expected, the proportion of residents considering their health to be poor or fair

increases with age. Whilst overall, 37% think their health is fair or poor, this figure rises from

26% of 18-24 year olds to 47% amongst the 75+ age group.

6.5 There are also differences here across the Community Assembly areas – 9% of residents

from the Cramlington CA area thought their health poor; 12% from Blyth CA area, and 15% for

Seaton Valley.



Reasons for Health Perceptions

Question: Why do you say that? (Health Status)

6.6 Those perceiving their health to be poor cite either chronic illness or other health problems, or

to a large extent, being overweight.

I’m overweight

“Health problems”

“Apart from pain + being crippled with arthritis…”

POOR HEALTH

“I can’t get out to exercise – 2

kids”

Asthma, Heart Attack etc.



6.7 For those who perceived their health to be good, this tended to be ‘in a relative sense’. Some

have ‘evidence’ of a healthy lifestyle – good diet, an active life, keeping fit etc. For others their

‘good health’ is measured by the fact that they can ‘still do things’, or because they ‘feel Ok’

GOOD HEALTH

“I eat well”

“I keep fit and active” “I’m

never ill”

“I feel OK”

“I’m Ok for my age”

“I Don’t go to the doctors”

“I can still get about” “I do lots of walking”

Long-Term Illness or Disability

Question: Do you have any long-term illness or disability?

6.8 Overall, 25% of residents in the Blyth Valley area had a long-term illness or disability (LTID).

This was very similar in the priority and non-priority wards, a slightly higher proportion of those

in the priority wards having a LTID.

Long Term Illness or Disability by Area

0

10

20

30

Yes

%




6.9 Not surprisingly, those in older age groups are more likely to have a LTID, the results ranging

from 5% in the 18-24 age group, to 39% in the 75+ group.

Long Term Illness by Age

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+

%

Looking after someone with a LTID

Question: Do you look after anyone with a long-term illness or disability?

6.10 Overall, 14% of people looked after someone with a long-term illness or disability. There were

small differences between priority and non-priority wards.

Care of People with Long Term Illness or Disability

0

5

10

15

20

%




6.11 Again there were differences by age, with a greater proportion in the older age groups looking

after someone with a LTID. As might be expected, however, much lower proportions of those

in the group aged 75+ looked after someone with an LTID.

Care of People with Long Term Illness or Disability by Age

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+

%

Aspirations for Changing Health

Question : Is there anything you would like to do to keep yourself healthy, but don’t do at the

moment?

6.12 Overall, nearly 60% of residents would like to do something to keep themselves healthy that

they don’t currently do. The results show a slightly higher proportion of females than males

wanting to do something to help keep healthy.

Things you would like to do at the moment to keep yourself healthy, by gender

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

%

Male Female



6.13 There are small (but significant) differences between the priority and non-priority wards.

Slightly higher proportions of those in non-priority wards would like to do something to help

keep healthy that they don’t currently do.

Things you would like to do at the moment to keep yourself healthy by Priority/Non-Priority

Ward

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

%


6.14 When analysed by age, higher proportions in the younger age groups would like to do

something to keep healthy that they don’t currently do. However, there are still high

proportions thinking this in the older age groups – 40% and above for those aged 65 and

older.

Things you would like to do at the moment to keep yourself healthy, by age

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+

%



Question: What would you like to do? (to improve your health)

6.15 For those who would like to do something to keep healthy that they don’t currently do, the

highest proportions want to do ‘sport/exercise’, ‘lose weight’ and ‘improve diet/nutrition.

Interestingly, over 15% wanted to ‘reduce stress’ and just under 10% wanted to ‘reduce my

debts’.

Action Respondent would like to take

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%

Sport / Exercise

Improve diet / Nutrition

Give Up / Cut Down Smoking

Hobbies

Get/ Change Jobs

Other

Illness

Question: Have you personally ever had any of the following illnesses?

6.16 25% of respondents had suffered from back trouble, 17% high blood pressure.

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

Back Trouble

High Blood Pressure

Asthma

Angina

Depression / Nervous illness

Bronchitis/ Respiratory Disease

Heart Attack

Diabetes

Other Heart Problems

Cancer

Stroke

Liver Trouble



Question: Has anyone in your close family had any of these conditions?

6.17 For some of the illnesses detailed, there is a strong correlation between personally having

experienced the illness and other family members having had the illness. The following

illustrates the case for Asthma. Of those who have personally had Asthma, 26% also have a

family member who has had the illness. For those who have not had Asthma, 15% have

family members who have had the illness. For other illnesses the results are:

% who have family members with

the illness

Personally had illness Not personally had illness

Asthma 26 15

Cancer 40 20

Angina 27 17

Back Trouble 10 8

Diabetes 27 17

Stroke 30 13

Bronchitis/Respiratory Disease 24 9

Depression or Nervous Illness 10 4

Heart Attack 28 20

High Blood Pressure 17 14

Kidney Trouble 12 4

Liver Trouble 8 2

.Smoking

Question: Do you smoke at all?

6.18 32% of those in priority wards smoke, compared to 28% in non-priority wards. For

comparison, national figures indicate that 29% of men smoke, 24% of women (Department of

Health (2000).

Smoking by Priority/Non-Priority Ward

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

%




6.19 In most age groups interviewed, the proportion of men who smoke is greater than that of

women, however in the youngest age group (18-24) and in those aged 55-64, proportionately

more women smoke than men.

Smoking by Gender

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+

%

Male Female

Question: How many cigarettes do you generally smoke in a day?

6.20 The highest proportion of smokers smoked 10-20 cigarettes per day, although 15% smoked

20 or more. Other smoking included roll up cigarettes, and pipes.

Number of Cigarettes Smoked per Day

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Smoke

%

0-9 10-20 20+ Other



Weight

Question: Would you say that for your height, your weight was about right, too heavy, too light, or

don’t know?

6.21 The largest proportion of residents felt that their weight was about right (48%), although 45%

felt that they were ‘too heavy’ for their height. Slightly higher proportions of those in priority

wards, and females, felt that they were ‘too heavy’.

Perceptions of Weight

05

101520253035404550

About right Too Heavy Too Light Don't Know

%



7 Food and Eating

Question: Do you eat regularly – that is have the same number of meals and snacks at roughly the

same time each day?

Eating Patterns

7.1 Over 80% of residents interviewed said that they eat meals and snacks regularly. Regular

eating appears to increase by age. However, in the younger age groups, the results indicate

that around 20% do not eat regular meals, and for older groups, approximately 5% do not.

Proportion Eating meals and snacks regularly by age

0

20

40

60

80

100

18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+

%

Takeaway/Fast Food Meals

Question: For your main meal, approximately how many times a week do you have fast

food/takeaways, pre-prepared food (ready meals),and meat/fish/vegetarian main item you have

cooked from fresh ingredients?

7.2 Overall, 41% of those interviewed claim to have a take away as a main meal at least once a

week. There are some differences by ward:

• Cramlington North is highest with 61% having a take away at least once a week.

• Seghill is lowest with 24%.



7.3 There are differences here by age – with younger age groups more likely to eat take-aways.

Overall, 41% claim to have one at least once a week. For the various age groups the results

show that two-thirds of those under 34 have a take-away at least once a week, 35% of 18-24

year olds have a take-away at least twice a week. The sub-groups most likely to eat a take-

away at least once a week are:

• Those under 35, with low household income (les than £10,000) – 67% of this group have

a take-away at least once a week

• Those under 35, with medium income (£30,000-£40,000) – 72% of this group have a take-

away at least once a week

• Having children in the household also appears to influence the frequency of eating take-

aways.

Frequency of Take-Aways by Age - At Least Once a Week

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

%

Under 34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+



Types of Food Eaten

Question: How often do you eat the following foods?

7.4 Respondents were prompted for a range of foods, using the same food categories as the

Health and Lifestyle Survey for England. Results are shown in the table below. This data only

provides a snap-shot of consumption. We would suggest that further work is undertaken in

this area.

More than once

a day

Once a

day

Most Days Once or twice a

week

Less than once

a week %

Never

White Bread 26 32 10 9 5 18

Wholemeal/Brown Bread 20 21 10 13 11 26

Pitta, Nan, chapattis or

similar

2 3 2 13 25 55

Margarine or Butter 37 35 9 5 3 10

Chips 2 5 8 44 25 17

Potatoes 2 14 34 38 7 6

Pasta 1 5 17 38 12 25

Crisps/Snacks 3 13 13 22 19 30

Chocolate 3 10 10 25 25 28

Puddings 1 7 10 18 21 43

Cereals 5 43 9 11 8 24

Biscuits 5 18 15 22 17 23

Salad 3 15 22 37 12 11

Cheese 2 9 16 40 16 16

Egg 1 8 14 45 18 13

Fish 1 8 12 48 19 13

Meat 3 19 36 29 6 7



Stock of Fruit and Vegetables

Question: Do you have any of the following foods in your house at the moment?

7.5 Respondents were asked about their ‘stock’ of vegetables and fruits. Over 80% claimed to

have fresh fruit and/or vegetables (including potatoes) in the house at the time. Over 60% had

tinned fruit and/or vegetables.

Stock of Fruit and Vegetables in Household on Day of Interview

0 20 40 60 80 100

Fresh Fruit

Frozen Fruit

Dried Fruit

Tinned Fruit

Fresh Vegetables

Frozen Vegetables

Dried Vegetables

Tinned Vegetables

%

7.6 There were differences between the priority and non-priority wards, with a lower proportion of

those in priority wards having a stock of all types of fruit and vegetables.

Stock of Fruit and Vegetables on day of interview, Priority and Non-Priority Wards

0102030405060708090

100

Fresh F

ruit

Frozen

Fruit

Dried F

ruit

Tinned

Fruit

Fresh V

egeta

bles

Frozen

Veg

etable

s

Dried V

egeta

bles

Tinned

Veg

etable

s

%




Fruit and Vegetable Portions Eaten

Question: How many pieces of fruit do household members eat on a daily basis?

7.7 The largest proportion of respondents indicated that they, and other household members, ate

1-2 portions of fruit each day. Approximately 20% suggested that they ate 3-4 portions a day,

and just under 10%, 5 portions a day.

Frequency of Eating Fruit by Household Members

0 10 20 30 40 50

Personally

Partner

Kids

Other Person

Never

Monthly

Weekly

Every few days

1-2 portions aday

3-4 portions aday

5 or moreportions a day

At ward level, there are differences in those who suggest that they eat 5 portions of fruit per

day, with lower levels being observed in many of the priority wards.



Question: How many portions of vegetables do you eat on a daily basis?

7.8 Again, the largest proportion of respondents indicated that they, and other household

members, ate 1-2 portions of vegetables each day. Approximately 30% suggested that they

ate 3-4 portions a day (slightly lower for kids in the household), and just over 5%, 5 portions a

day.

Frequency of Eating Vegetables by Household Members

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Personally

Partner

Kids

Other Person

Never

Monthly

Weekly

Every few days

1-2 portions aday

3-4 portions aday

5 or moreportions a day

Again, at ward level, the priority wards have a lower proportion stating that they eat 5 portions

a day.



Source of Purchase of Fruit and Vegetables

Question: Where do you buy fresh fruit and vegetables?

7.9 There were no differences between the sources of purchase of fruit and vegetables by key

variables. Most respondents indicated that they were purchased from supermarkets (80%),

16% from the local vegetable/fruit shop, 8% from markets, and 4% other. The other sources

mentioned included allotments, farm shops, van delivery, and being given fruit and

vegetables.

Source of Purchase of Fruit and Vegetables

0102030405060708090

Supermarket LocalVegetable

Shop

Market Other

%

Respondents Who Don’t Eat Fruit or Vegetables

Question: Could you tell me why you don’t eat fresh fruit and/or vegetables?

7.10 For those who didn’t eat fresh fruit and vegetables, reasons given included:

• I don’t like it

• Fruit hurts my teeth

• I can’t be bothered to eat it

• It costs too much

• Local shops are too expensive

Reasons given for not eating fresh vegetables included:

• I can’t be bothered to wait for them to cook

• I don’t like the taste or smell

• I only like frozen vegetables

• Too expensive



8 Conclusion and Recommendations

8.1 This survey provides a baseline from which to monitor changes in levels of sports and physical

activity, perceived health and diet. It will provide a valuable resource for the various local

agencies within Blyth Valley to use in planning policy or resource allocation. The survey was

seen very much as a ‘starting point’ for future activity in terms of better understanding the local

community.

We recommend that the data is held as a resource within the Borough, available for access by

wide-ranging groups and agencies.

8.2 The survey was conducted using a ‘local resource’, recruited from the community and based

within the Community Enterprise Centre in Blyth. This community development approach is

beneficial in a number of ways:

• It develops a local skill base in research techniques

• It provides employment opportunities for local residents

• It allows the research to benefit from being conducted by local people, with local

knowledge, and in a very cost-effective manner.

The Information by Design team based in Blyth should develop in providing a resource for

Blyth Valley Borough Council, Northumberland Health and wider organisations within the

County.

8.3 One of the key objectives of the research was to highlight the levels of physical activity in the

area. The report provides findings on this; one statistic in particular highlighting approximately

one-third of residents who do some activity on a weekly basis – two-thirds do none of the

activities listed.

This group of ‘sport active’ residents is key; understanding their motivations and ways of

overcoming barriers to activity is important and we recommend that further research is

conducted amongst this group. For example, it may be useful to determine what activities the

sport active group are doing, where and what would encourage them to use local provisions

more. Some of this may require Focus Group research.



8.4 Development of walking and cycling appears to be a key aspect to encourage activity in the

area. Already, there is a core of people (up to a quarter who walk or cycle as a sport or hobby

– clearly this gives room for development.

We recommend that the BV Walking & Cycling map is utilized further in promoting local

activity. This may include wider publicity of the map. The map has reached a good level of

awareness within the area and is warmly received by residents – a positive indicator for further

development.

8.5 The qualitative data from the survey on walking and cycling gives a ‘rich picture’ which may

help assist in understanding the barriers to walking and cycling faced or perceived by

residents.

8.6 Amongst other barriers, ‘I am not fit enough’ is a reason frequently given for not participating in

physical activities.

This would suggest that a number of options need to be explored to overcome this barrier.

These may include additional focused advice support, and taster sessions. The key age

groups for this targeting are the 45+ year olds.

8.7 Blyth Valley residents clearly think that providing opportunities to participate in sport is

important. There are also reasonable levels of satisfaction with facilities available. This latter

indicator is clearly a key measure for encouraging participation, although poor satisfaction

does not feature heavily as a barrier to participation.

We would recommend that satisfaction of users and non-users is monitored on a regular basis

to provide both numerical and qualitative feedback on facilities. Further work is also

suggested with residents in Seaton Valley – the survey points to lower local usage here.

8.8 Developing methods to help encourage participation are clearly a priority. At present, there

appear to be approximately 30% who are regular users of one of the local sport and leisure

facilities.

More in depth research with this group would be useful for helping to understand and

overcome barriers of non-users.

8.9 Levels of perceived health are high in the area. Poor health is largely attributed to ‘being

overweight’ (in addition to chronic illnesses). Clearly, this aspect is being targeted locally and

nationally.



8.10 Large proportions of residents would like to take action to keep themselves healthy. Sport and

exercise, losing weight and improving diet feature heavily in this. Clearly these are current

areas for targeting health improvement. However, other aspects highlighted by the survey

included ‘reducing stress’ and ‘debt problems’.

Further analysis of the data covering aspects people would like to do to keep healthy should

be undertaken and potentially more in depth research with respondents should be

recommended. In addition, analysis of combinations of barriers should be undertaken.

8.11 The questionnaire for the Blyth Valley Lifestyle Survey was partly developed using a number

of national and publicly available studies. Some of these require further development for

locally based studies.

For future surveys, we recommend that some questions require either amending or use of an

alternative method to provide the information. This is particularly the case with questions on

food consumption. We would strongly recommend that this data is collected using ‘diary type’

research. In addition, we recommend that the question on household income is expanded to

provide greater detail & accuracy.

Blyth Valley Lifestyle Survey

November 2002

Lifestyle Report Final

Documents