Let’s all get fit (for the Olympics)
CPAS and FPFC launch “Let’s all get fit” as a way of involving millions in a change of lifestyle which would leave a lasting legacy of improved health and increased neighbourliness. The cost would be minimal as it is based on an informal approach (similar to Royal event street parties). The hope is that local and central government will support this initiative.
Click here to view the full proposal (PDF file - opens in new window)
Published Advice
The following are links to advice published in various journals and newspapers which may be of assistance to you. For freely downloadable publications please click on our “Publications” tab or click here.
The failure of Anti-Obesity Programmes in Schools
Article in the BMJ, 15 February 2018 which responds to research which found that anti-obesity programmes in schools do not work. It draws on research by Wheway to explain why this is the case.
Click here to view (external link)
Our child obesity solutions wouldn't be acceptable for zoo animals
Article in The Guardian (22 August 2017) which pointed out that if zoo animals cannot run around just outside their houses they get fat and have problems of mental stress. Because residential roads are so busy parents can no longer let their children play out in the street and so children suffer in the same way as zoo animals. This massive environmental change is ignored by Public Health England and other national bodies. Click here to view (external link)
Play it safe
Article giving advice for schools, hospitals and leisure facilities who are installing a children’s playground for the first time.
The link opens to the Public Sector Build Journal of November 2012 and the article can be found at page 34.
Click here to view (external link)
What Olympic Legacy?
Article in Independent on Sunday, 3 June 2012. Rob Wheway emphasises that a lifestyle change is needed rather than joining sports clubs. His proposal of Street Olympics would have done this.
Click here to view (external link)
Lets walk to school
Article 13 May 2011. This article appeared in the Daily Mail a few days previously. Rob Wheway explains play journeys are more important and makes recommendations
Click here to view (external link)
Playground Inspections. Cutting costs AND improving systems
Article Guardian Public 19 January 2011 on how Councils can save money on playground inspections AND still improve their systems
Click here to view (external link - Guardian)
Bicycles should have integral lights
Letter printed in over 10 local/regional newspapers inc Bournemouth, Leigh, Liverpool, Yorks. December 2010
Click here to view (external link - Halifax Courier)
Deposit answer (to teenage drinking and litter)
A letter in the Halifax Courier, 21 September 2009
Click here to view (external link)
Children's play areas 'answer to obesity' “Obesity is not a disease”
An article in the Yorkshire Post, 5 February 2007 (a report on Rob Wheway’ research)
Click here to view (external link)
Reclaiming the Streets – One man is hoping that radical ideas will persuade parents and councils that children must be encouraged to play outside
An article in the Guardian, 6 December 2006
Click here to view (external link)
Backlash against playgrounds that stop children taking risks
An article in the London Evening Standard, 27 October 2006 (includes comments from Rob Wheway)
Click here to view (external link)
Backlash against playgrounds that stop children taking risk
An article in the Daily Mail, October 2006 (includes comments from Rob Wheway)
Click here to view (external link)
Planning regulations: Play safety expert defends cul de sacs
An article in Children & Young People Now, 18 July 2006 (includes comments from Rob Wheway)
Click here to view (external link)
Evidence to Parliamentary Select Committee on “risk” 2006
Click here to view (external link)
8mph: That's the speed limit we need near homes!
An article in the Coventry Evening Telegraph, 11 November 2005
Click here to view (external link)
Urban Myths about Children’s Playgrounds – prepared for CAPT, August 2005
Click here to view (external link)
Myths that put skids under playground fun
An article in the Guardian, 31 August 2005
Click here to view (external link)
“Don’t fence us in, Mum” – Children want to play out (includes comments from Rob Wheway)
An article in The Observer, 12 June 2005
Cilck here to view (external link)
Fear of parks proves far greater than actual problems Consultant claims park managers are spending too much time looking at sensationalised crime issues
An article in Horticulture Week, 11 November 2004 (includes comments from Rob Wheway)
Cilck here to view (external link)
Obesity? It’s Childs Play!
A paper prepared for the British Medical Journal entitled “Prevalence of overweight and obese children between 1989 and 1998: population based series of cross sectional studies”, March 2001 (includes significant comments from Rob Wheway)
Cilck here to view (external link)
Should cyclists be banned from city's pavements?
An article in the Coventry Evening Telegraph, 27 July 1999 (includes comments from Rob Wheway) (from The Free Library)
Cilck here to view (external link)
Taming City’s Young Bus Rowdies (mediation needed)
An article in the Coventry Evening Telegraph, 22 January 1999 (includes comments from Rob Wheway)
Cilck here to view (external link)
