Our Hastings workforce project examined inactivity rates in the area and the link with deprivation.
In contrast with the rest of East Sussex, Hastings has a relatively young population. This should lead to higher than average activity rates as people tend to be more active when they are younger, and activity declines with age.
While Hastings does have lower inactivity rates than Eastbourne and Rother, the levels of deprivation push the inactivity rate above the Sussex average.
Six neighbourhoods in Hastings with high levels of deprivation were selected for doorstep resident interviews. High levels of inactivity are closely associated with deprivation. Specifically income, education and local area deprivation. Even low-cost activities such as walking are affected by deprivation.
318 doorstep interviews were undertaken in these 6 neighbourhoods. This included three neighbourhoods in Hollington Ward, and three adjoining neighbourhoods in Baird, Tressell and Ore wards.
A further 125 surveys were completed online from across the town which provide comparative data. These interviews sought to understand residents’ activity rates, the barriers they faced to becoming active, and the support they would like from clubs, coaches, volunteers and staff.