Lifestyle Report Final

Blyth Valley
Lifestyle Survey 2002
Lifestyle Survey 2002Cowpen
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
Baseline Study
Final Report
November 2002
Walking and Cycling
Sports and Leisure
Local Facilities
Health and Illness
Food and Eating

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
Cramlington
South East
Seghill
Holywell
Cramlington
East
Seaton Delaval
Isabella
& East Hartford
Cramlington
North
Newsham &
New Delaval
Cowpen
Kitty Brewster
Hartley
Cramlington
Village
Cramlington
Parkside
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
Plessy
Wensleydale
Newsham &
New Delaval
Isabella
Croft
Cramlington
South East
Seghill
Cramlington
Village
Cramlington
East
Cramlington
Parkside
Seaton Delaval
Cramlington
North
Cowpen
Kitty Brewster
& East Hartford
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+
R
efused
%
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
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Full-tim
e
Part-tim
e
Looking
AfterH
om
e/Fam
ily
N
otw
orking/U
nem
ployed
R
etired
O
ther
%

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 1
Year
1-2
Years
3-5
Years
6-10
Years
11-20
Years
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 1
Year
1-2
Years
3-5
Years
6-10
Years
11-20
Years
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 1
Year
1-2 Years 3-5 Years 6-10
Years
11-20
Years
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
IsabellaPlesseyC
ow
pen
Kitty
Brew
ster
C
roft
N
ew
sham
&
new
D
elavalSeghill
C
ram
lington
Eastfield
&
EastH
artford
C
ram
lington
East
C
ram
lington
Village
South
N
ew
sham
C
ram
lington
W
est
Seaton
D
elaval
C
ram
lington
South
East
C
ram
lington
ParksideH
olyw
ell
South
Beach
W
ensleydale
C
ram
lington
N
orthH
artley
%
Percentile 25th
Median
Percentile 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 To
School
Whilst at
work
To
Leisure
Activity
As a
sport or
hobby
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 Leisure
Activity
Whilst at work As a sport or
hobby
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 at
work
To School To Leisure
Activity
To Shop To work As a sport or
hobby
%
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
Cramlington
South East
Seghill
Holywell
Cramlington
East
Seaton Delaval
Isabella
Wensleydale
& East Hartford
Cramlington
North
Newsham &
New Delaval
Cowpen
Kitty Brewster
Hartley
Croft
Cramlington
Village
Cramlington
Parkside
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
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Age
Know
ledge
ofarea
Illness
Lack
ofInterestLack
ofskillsLack
oftim
e
D
isability
Inability
to
w
alk
U
se
ofothertransport
%

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
66
68
70
72
74
76
78
80
82
84
86
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
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Blyth Sports
Centre
Concordia
Leisure Centre
Private Health
Club
Local Parks Local
Community
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 Sports
Centre
Concordia Leisure
Centre
Private Health
Club
Local Parks Local Community
Centre
%
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 Sports
Centre
Concordia
Leisure Centre
Private Health
Club
Centres
%

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 Sports
Centre
Concordia Leisure
Centre
Private Health
Club
Centres
%
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 very
satisfied
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Very
Satisfied
%
Blyth Sports Centre Concordia Leisure Centre
Private 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 health
problems
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 sporting
activites eg. Reading
I can't afford it
No Childcare Provision
I am not fit enough
I can't be bothered
I am Disabled / Have Health
Problems
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 problems
I am not fit enough I cannot afford it
I 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 Young
Children
Exercise Bike / Rowing
Machine
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 an
Exercise Tape
Heavy
Housework
Heavy
Gardening
Shopping with
Young 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 fit
Cant afford it Cant be bothered Don’t have time
Other

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+
Other
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
Other

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
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
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
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Fresh
Fruit
Frozen
Fruit
D
ried
Fruit
Tinned
FruitFresh
Vegetables
Frozen
VegetablesD
ried
Vegetables
Tinned
Vegetables
%

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 a
day
3-4 portions a
day
5 or more
portions 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 a
day
3-4 portions a
day
5 or more
portions 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
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
Supermarket Local
Vegetable
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

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