In 2024/25, LSBU Active delivered more than just sport, it generated measurable, life-changing benefits for our students, staff, and wider community, valued at over £663,000 in social value.  This impact extends far beyond fitness. Regular participation in physical activity improves academic performance, boosts mental health, and builds skills for life, directly supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

What is Social Value and Why Does it Matter?

Social value captures the wider benefits that investment in the provision of sport and physical activity brings to society, benefits such as improved health, increased happiness, enhanced skills, and stronger communities.

Social Value focuses on four key areas:

  1. Physical & Mental Health – Preventing chronic disease, supporting recovery, and enhancing mental wellbeing. SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing
  2. Subjective Wellbeing – Increasing life satisfaction and happiness through regular activity. SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing
  3. Individual Development – Building confidence, skills, and employability. SDG 4 – Quality Education
  4. Social & Community Development – Strengthening connections and reducing isolation. SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

At LSBU Active, social value is calculated using the Social Value Calculator (SVC) developed by 4GLOBAL in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University and Experian. This evidence-based tool applies national research and benchmarks to translate outcomes into a monetary equivalent, enabling us to track, predict, and evidence the positive changes we create.

Our 2024/25 Social Value Impact

In 2024/25, LSBU Active supported 6,756 participants, including 2,532 unique students who activated a membership. Across all participants, our activities generated £663,753 in total social value, or an average of £98 per person, rising to £195 for our most active members.

Breakdown of Our Impact:

  • Physical & Mental Health: £69,677 – Supporting healthier lifestyles, reducing the risk of conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, dementia, and heart disease.
  • Subjective Wellbeing: £384,518 – The largest single contribution, reflecting the profound effect of regular activity on happiness and quality of life.
  • Individual Development: £33,190 – Equipping students and community members with confidence, discipline, and leadership skills.
  • Social & Community Development: £176,355 – Building inclusive, connected communities.

Health System Savings

The benefits extend to the health sector, by helping prevent illness and reduce NHS pressures, with participation in LSBU Active programmes helping to avoid costs associated with major health conditions including:

  • Type 2 Diabetes: £26,653 saved
  • Dementia: £23,074 saved
  • Hip Fractures: £8,642 saved
  • Coronary Heart Disease & Stroke: £7,919 saved

The Student Impact: Active Students Achieve More

The 2024/25 LSBU Active Student Survey shows a clear and powerful link between physical activity and student outcomes:

  • Better Academic Expectations – Over one-third of vigorously active students expect to graduate with a First, compared to only one-fifth of students who are not very active.
  • Higher Employability Confidence – Regularly active students are more confident about finding a job within six months of graduating than less active peers.
  • Improved Mental Wellbeing – 70% of students say they are active to benefit physical health, 55% for mental health, and 54% to improve body image. More active students report higher life satisfaction and lower anxiety levels.
  • Higher Retention & Progression – Students who are members of LSBU Active are 4% more likely to progress and remain in study compared to non-member students
  • Skill Development – Students who take part in competitive sport are more likely to believe it improves employability and university acceptance prospects.

Looking to 25/26

This year’s results confirm that LSBU Active is a key contributor to student success and community health. As we look to the future, our focus will be on increasing student participation, expanding our inclusive offer, and deepening our community partnerships to grow this impact even further.

At LSBU, sport and physical activity are not just extracurricular, they are essential drivers of health, achievement, and belonging.