Blog
StreetGames CEO Mark Lawrie OBE shares his thoughts on the government’s new 10 year health plan for England.
The government’s recently published 10-year health plan for England sets out an ambitious vision for transformational change across the NHS.
At StreetGames, we welcome this long-term commitment to improving health outcomes – particularly when it comes to tackling the deep-rooted inequalities that continue to affect communities across the country. With our 20 years of experience, we have an important role to play in ensuring that the voices of young people growing up in underserved communities are at the heart of the government’s agenda as they put their plan into action.
Tackling inequalities
The plan rightly highlights the growing gap in healthy life expectancy between the richest and poorest in society: a gap that has persisted for far too long.
Last year, we commissioned the Association of Young People’s Health (AYPH) to conduct a research study exploring the health and well-being of young people living in low-income communities in England and Wales.
The findings were stark. On almost every measure, low income is associated with poorer health outcomes – from higher rates of disease and disability, to reduced access to services and support for managing long-term conditions. The report also highlighted significant disparities in mental health, obesity, diet, and nutrition, painting a clear picture of the challenges faced by young people growing up in underserved areas.
AYPH’s review of the policy landscape found that while there are high-level commitments to supporting young people and those living in poverty, in practice, this age group is often overlooked. While the government’s commitments laid out in the plan – to halving the life expectancy gap and raising the healthiest generation of children ever – are to be welcomed, these findings highlight that more must be done to translate these promises into action.
A pivotal role for physical activity
At StreetGames, we will always champion the multiple benefits that sport and physical activity can offer to children and young people living in underserved communities. These are not just leisure activities; they are powerful preventative tools that support physical health, mental wellbeing, and social connection. In 2024, our work enabled more than 92,000 children and young people to take part in life-enhancing Doorstep Sport and holiday activities provided by community organisations in the StreetGames network – but there are many more who are still missing out. There is an urgent need for targeted, community-led interventions that meet young people where they are.
Encouragingly, the government’s plan recognises this need, committing to a place-based approach to physical activity through a significant investment into local community sport facilities, as part of a new strategy for physical activity to be developed with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
We look forward to working with government and partners to ensure that these commitments are translated into practical, impactful policies that are developed in collaboration with young people and tailored to their needs.
A focus on mental health
Mental health remains a core concern for the young people we work with. In our Young Person’s Manifesto, which amplifies the voices of young people living in underserved communities across England and Wales, mental health was a top priority. Young people consistently called for more access to understanding adults: counsellors in schools, youth workers, and trusted figures who can offer support, listen, and advocate for their needs.
We were encouraged to see the government commit to expanding mental health support teams in schools and colleges, as well as embedding mental health services within the new Young Futures Hubs, which will support vulnerable young people who are at risk of being drawn into gangs, violence or knife crime.
At StreetGames, we have long recognised that community safety and mental wellbeing go hand in hand. We are proud to be a trusted partner on projects including the Youth Justice Sport Fund and local violence reduction programmes, championing a child first, preventative approach.
The Young Futures Hubs represent a vital opportunity to create safe, welcoming spaces where young people can access holistic support – but they must be backed by adequate resources and a genuine commitment to co-design with young people.
Looking ahead
The government’s 10-year health plan offers a real opportunity to reshape the future of health in England. The plan’s commitment to tackling inequalities in both access and outcomes speaks to the heart of what we do at StreetGames, and we are ready to play our part – bringing the power of sport, community, and youth voice to the forefront of efforts to build a healthier, fairer society.
Let’s make sure that no young person is left behind.
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