In 2024 we are looking forward to working with even more partners and making more new connections, and as we start the New Year there is always a lot of talk about change. With this in mind, we thought it would be a great time to reintroduce one of our key approaches, our TaAF Model for Change.
The Model for Change underpins the thinking and approach of TaAF with the outcome of creating transformational and sustainable change. It identifies 3 themes that create the framework for our approach; with ‘Behaviours’ at the core, and the way behaviours influence our ‘Systems’ and ‘Places’. In turn, it shows the ways Places and Systems interact and connect.
Together an Active Future’s work is built on the core belief that change in the behaviours of system partners leads to sustainable change in places. The systems in which people experience physical activity are challenging to change, so we are testing and learning all the time. We are working with partners in these systems and their places, to change how things work to make being active easier for everyone.
Our Place Based Approach to Whole Systems
Central to our model for change is the idea that people who are changing themselves (attitude, behaviours, priorities) are the key to our systems and places changing for the better.
The Behaviours – Changing people, change the system
Through mindsets and approaches; and skills and capabilities.
In a simple form, systems are a network of people who make decisions. These decisions are based on perspectives, beliefs, pressures and values. If these perspectives, beliefs, values and priorities change then the decisions people make and ultimately the system itself adapts with them. Working to develop the behaviours and approaches of people in our place is central to all our work. We work to influence and develop people within the system to prioritise physical activity, and take new approaches and behaviours that lead to change.
The Systems – Where systems and lives meet
There are many areas where ‘the system’ meets peoples’ lives, typically around significant life course events. By systems, we refer to the interactions people have with different public, voluntary or community organisations throughout their life, such as healthcare, education or leisure. We work to improve interactions between system partners and people affected by these life course events, enabling a greater focus on well-being and physical activity.
The Places – From Nothing to Something and Something to More
People live their lives within places (i.e. communities and neighbourhoods) and we have learned that as we work to shift behaviours and take new approaches, focus where systems and lives meet, and work with people to understand and create solutions – change can happen. We’ve also learned that the environments in which people can be active (e.g. outdoors, parks, leisure venues, community hubs) play an important role in physical activity. We have lots of opportunities to be active, but need to continue to find ways to make it easier for people to know about and connect to existing opportunities.
All of our stories of impact and learning are embedded within the principles of our model for change. Sign up to our Newsletter below as we share our stories every week sharing the impacts made within our places.
Please feel free to share with us your thoughts and comments below.
