In conversation with Beat the Street insiders

Summary

In this episode, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of our Beat the Street programme, which encourages physical activity and healthy habits in communities. We featured speakers from our internal Beat the Street team discussing the different phases of the program, including anticipation, game, and legacy, and how they engage with schools, community groups, and individuals through social media and newsletters. The programme has engaged 1.7 million participants over the last 10 years, and evidence shows that 60% of those who are inactive adults and children at the start come and remain active for up to two years following the intervention of Beat the Street. We also discussed the success of Beat the Street games in different locations and the factors that contribute to its success, including engaging local partners and schools and the value of social media in creating a sense of community.

Learnings

1. What is Beat The Street?

Beat the Street is a game that encourages people to be more active by walking, wheeling, or cycling around their local area and tapping special sensors called ‘Beat Boxes’ with a card to earn points.

2. How does Beat The Street work with clients and stakeholders?

The Partnerships team talks to local authorities and active partnerships across the country to establish the scope of the programme, what areas they want to cover, what priorities they’ve got, and whether it’s active travel, physical activity, or environment & nature. Once the contract is signed, the programme is split into three distinct phases: anticipation planning, the six-week game phase, and the legacy phase.

3. What are the long-term benefits associated with physical activity in Beat the Street?

The game encourages people to make small behavior changes, such as walking to school or visiting local parks, which can have long-term effects on physical and mental health. The programme also has a positive impact on the environment.

4. What are some of the biggest challenges for the Beat the Street programme?

Some of the biggest challenges for the Beat the Street programme include capacity for people, communicating the benefits of the program effectively, and removing barriers for individuals, schools, and community groups.