Over half of the world’s population now live in cities, including many of our employees. They are experiencing the growing health impacts of a changing climate, with cities now responsible for more than 60 percent of global carbon emissions, and this is only set to grow.
Climate change and urban environments impact every aspect of our health, from the air we breathe, the buildings we live and work in, the green spaces we have access to, and the way we travel.
Businesses can make a significant impact to improving people’s health in a changing climate, and help people make the connection between their health and the environment.
Through Healthy Cities, we want to start a movement and encourage people to take an active role in their own health.
What is Healthy Cities and how can it benefit your organisation?
Healthy Cities is Bupa’s flagship sustainability programme for all our customers and intermediary partners, which has measurable impact on individual wellbeing and the environment. Through this programme, we support organisations to build engagement and advocacy around both their wellbeing and sustainability agendas.
Tracked by our Bupa Healthy Cities app, a 30-day movement challenge that takes place in June gives employees the opportunity to team up and step up to improve their individual health and wellbeing. It’s a great way to come together as a team and encourage people to do more in a fun and supportive way. The more people move, the more money the Bupa Foundation donates to projects that make our cities greener and healthier.
As an organisation, it’s simple to run as Bupa provides the app, the assets, the donation and all the support throughout.
Here’s what one of our customer’s had to say about Healthy Cities, after taking part in our 2024 programme.
“What we loved about the challenge was it encouraged us to get outside, and make the most of our wellbeing. It also helped our employees to think how they can build healthy habits into their day-to-day lives. Through Healthy Cities our teams have celebrated some really great moments together, and more importantly it was great to know that we were unlocking funding towards regeneration projects across the globe,” said Dawn Kirk, UK Market QMS Coordinator – Mental Health ARG Co lead, Mars.
What makes Healthy Cities so unique?
This isn’t just any movement challenge – it’s a chance to make a real difference.
Up to £1 million is available to support projects that regenerate urban areas. Our collective steps can plant trees, build outdoor classrooms, community allotments and more, having an amazing impact on our local communities.
Employees can nominate projects that they feel passionate about to receive funding. Last year, we funded over 295 projects to improve green spaces in deprived areas of schools and local communities across the UK and ROI, improving the health and wellbeing of over 150,000 people.
This year our ambitions are even bigger, and with your help we want to reach and support even more individuals.
Want to get involved?
Together we can do miles more.
To join our 2025 challenge speak to your Bupa Account Manager now or contact Healthycities@bupa.com. And if you want to learn more about the impact Healthy Cities can have on your organisation, watch this video.
