JU:MP (Join Us: Move Play) is Active Bradford’s flagship programme funded by Sport England to test and learn more about what helps children aged 5-14 years and their families to be active.

JU:MP takes a place-based whole systems approach to tackling inequalities in physical activity. This means working with families, communities and organisations and making improvements to the environment. Equally important to systems working was embedding physical activity in relevant policies and plans, from health and education to transport and planning.

Between 2019 – 2024 the JU:MP programme took place in a defined area of North Bradford which has a multi-ethnic population with some of the highest levels of poverty in the UK and aimed to improve the lives of 30,000 children as well as build evidence on children’s physical activity with a world-leading research programme. Funding was held and the programme delivered by Born in Bradford (Bradford Teaching Hospital Foundation Trust) on behalf of Active Bradford.

Our robust world leading research, which included a control trial revealed the JU:MP programme:

• Improved children’s total physical activity by 8.3 minutes a day and over 70 minutes a week
• Improved moderate-to-vigorous physical activity by nearly 6 minutes on weekdays
• Reduced inactivity by more than 21 minutes a day on weekends

The effects of the JU:MP programme were bigger than any other long-term population level physical activity intervention for children reported in comparable scientific research studies so far.

JU:MP developed 16 workstreams, built on robust evidence alongside in-depth insight with children and families. We took a neighbourhood approach bringing partners from schools, community and faith organisations and the local authority together to co-design and deliver local action plans. Developing active environments such as parks and greenspace was a key focus at the heart of these plans.

We wouldn’t be able to do what we do best without the help of children, young people and their family members, who help to shape many areas of our work.

JU:MP parents, carers and family members
From taking part in focus groups and local campaigns to joining local community groups and events (from walking groups to litter picking) there’s something for everyone to get involved with!

JU:MP children and young people
From taking part in focus groups and local campaigns to leading activities for JU:MP School Fun Days there’s plenty for the kids to get involved with!