Meet the Team - Richard Bradford, Education Programme Manager

Describe your role and responsibilities as Education Programme Manager

My role is to work closely with schools, other education settings and partners to understand the local needs and challenges facing children and young people in the Black Country and support them to get the best start in life through improving access to a range of varied and diverse opportunities to be active, move more and play.

How is Active Black Country making a difference in getting people active across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton?

We work across the region and provide strategic leadership to increase physical activity opportunities and tackle inequalities to participation, by bringing together local partners to collectively create excellent opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to be active - particularly those facing the greatest barriers. Our work with schools and education partners aims to place physical activity at the heart of everyday school life, evidencing the valued contribution it can make to whole school priorities.

What do you like most about the Black Country?

It's the passion of people to support one another and, in our case, the enthusiasm to create opportunities for local communities to be more active and have fun.

In your work, what has been your biggest personal achievement recently?

I am working closely with the Sandwell Public Health team and their public health development officers as part of my work with multi-sports. We were successful in securing funding from Sport England to activate nine newly constructed PlayZones within the borough which are situated in local parks. Over the past few months, we have worked with several local community organisations and physical activity providers to develop bespoke activity sessions based on the needs of the local communities to activate these facilities and offer safe, inclusive and welcoming environments for local people to be more active.

Describe yourself in three words?

Empathetic, insightful and committed.

Describe what physical activity means to you and how it benefits your physical and mental wellbeing?

Physical activity is an important part of my life and gives me a lot of enjoyment; I try and swim, gym or cycle as much as possible. It makes me feel better and I know it will help my health and wellbeing in the long term.