• BetterPoints Newham is aimed at improving health and wellbeing, tackling climate change and encouraging more people to walk, wheel or cycle
• Users can redeem a digital currency for shopping vouchers or donate to charity
• Supports Newham Council’s corporate plan; 50 Steps to a Healthier Newham (2024-2027) and Well Newham
Newham Council has partnered with BetterPoints to launch the BetterPoints Newham Challenge on Friday 1 March. The free app-based programme and dedicated website is aimed at encouraging users to walk, wheel, cycle or run, in order to improve their health and wellbeing.
Historically, Newham’s physical activity levels have been low. Walking and cycling for fun, or as part of a daily journey, is an easy way to introduce physical activity in everyday routines. The BetterPoints Newham Challenge, supports the council’s health and wellbeing priorities, including ‘healthier Newham and ageing well’, 50 Steps to a Healthier Newham (2024-2027), and Well Newham.
Councillor Neil Wilson, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Ensuring our residents are living healthily and ageing well is a council priority, so I’m thrilled they’ll now have access to dedicated technology, encouraging them to get moving. This partnership also reflects one key aim of our refreshed 50 Steps to a Healthier Newham (2024-2027) strategy, in how we want to deliver services and interventions which support our individuals and communities to be healthy.
“I admire the values and ethos of BetterPoints. For our residents to be rewarded for being healthy and active at a time when many will be experiencing financial hardship, because of rising costs, is most definitely welcomed.
“We should not forget the other benefits this new technology will bring to our local area. The behaviour change can result in improvements to transport and climate, which will no doubt benefit us all.”
It is easy to sign up and take part. Newham residents can download the app through the app store and register with a Newham postcode. Activity or journeys are detected through the app, so once users start moving, activity is automatically recorded. While every user will have an individual account, the technology can also be used in groups.
Users can share their devices to view activity logs and milestones, encouraging friendly competition. The more journeys recorded, the more rewards accrued. Those who work in Newham but live elsewhere can still take part using a referral code by contacting BetterPoints’ customer care team via customercare@betterpoints.uk.
BetterPoints rewards can be spent at participating businesses in Newham, while also being redeemed for high street vouchers or donated to charity. There will be opportunities to win Westfield Stratford City gift cards which can be spent in more than 350 stores and restaurants at Westfield Stratford City. Vouchers and offers for local and independent businesses will also be on offer.
There are other ways the technology can help make a local difference. Throughout the challenge there will also be focused rewards and campaigns targeting air quality and health inequalities in Newham, with the aim of connecting with users in a fun and engaging way.
Hannah McCarthy, Chief Behaviour Scientist, BetterPoints, said: “We're thrilled to be working with the London Borough of Newham to deliver a BetterPoints challenge which will reward residents for traveling actively, making healthy lifestyle choices and helping their communities.”
The BetterPoints Newham Challenge has been funded by Westfield East Bank Creative Futures Fund, supported by Westfield Stratford City and Foundation for Future London.
Sarah Nelson, Interim CEO, Foundation for Future London, said: “The Foundation for Future London is pleased to support BetterPoints Newham to encourage healthy living habits for people living, working and studying in Newham, made possible thanks to our partnership with Westfield Stratford City. Now in our fifth year, the Westfield East Bank Creative Futures Fund has supported a wide range of locally produced projects and innovations that aim to improve the lives of people across East London, and Better Points looks brilliant and a lot of fun too. We hope that Newham users come to explore the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the new East Bank, which is open for all to visit, as part of their BetterPoints adventures and walking challenges.”
Other local authorities, businesses and universities have used BetterPoints programmes since 2010, with many reporting positive changes within their communities.