Recent Sport England research has shown a 4% decrease in adult participation in any type of activity during the winter months, compared to the summer months, resulting in a movement decline of 1.8 million participating adults. Red January (Rise Every Day January), is calling for UK communities to come together to reverse this negative trend.
Dr Brendon Stubbs, world-leading academic in mental health, physical activity and wellbeing at King’s College London, said;
Research consistently shows that small movement ‘snacks’ are associated with a reduced risk of many physical conditions and mental ill health, and RED’s focus on setting yourself a daily movement challenge that works for your lifestyle, has all the key evidence-based ingredients to make a real difference.
Dr Brendon Stubbs, Academic, King’s College London
The annual campaign empowers ‘REDers’ to set realistic movement habits that they can continue well into the year, and overcome barriers that currently lead to higher inactivity and lower wellbeing in the winter. In surveys, over 70% of the RED community said they were likely to continue the healthy physical activity habits that they formed in January if given support to do so.
People set their own January challenge, or take part with a team of colleagues, friends, or family, as movement can be a catalyst for change, and being part of a team can inspire you to keep moving. RED January recently co-hosted a workplace event with partner, Decathlon UK, to encourage more businesses to adopt ‘movement breaks’ throughout the month.
To keep people motivated on those more challenging days, RED teams and ‘REDers’ also fundraise for mental health and community projects, with over £3 million raised to date. In 2024, RED is partnering with both the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP), supporting local projects that people can access through social prescribing, and Mental Health UK, supporting specialist mental health advisors and online support group, Clic. Funds will also be raised for the Sport in Mind charity through a partnership with Decathlon UK. These are projects that know and understand the communities they work in, and can help to implement longer-lasting, more effective activities and behaviours.
RED January builds on a growing body of research showing that regular physical activity can play a major role in supporting people with focus, motivation, sleep, self-esteem and overall wellbeing.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said;
I can personally attest to the benefits of getting outside on a walk with my dog or playing football on the weekend. I am passionate about seeing more and more Londoners getting active, and it is initiatives like RED January that are providing vital motivation. This is especially needed in the current context, with worries about the cost-of-living crisis combined and the cold winter months dampening many people’s mental health and wellbeing. For this reason, this year’s RED January feels more important than ever.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
Individuals and teams can sign up to take part in RED January for free, at join.redjanuary.com.
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.
