Enhancing Sense of Belonging through Physical Activity: “Active Community, Connected Community”
This one year study aimed to address the recommendations in Picturing Peel by creating and strengthening inclusive and sustainable community-based programs and spaces that are accessible, safe and support movement, mental health, and social connection for youth and their families.
Study Goal
To understand how to support sustained and joyful physical activity participation among youth from diverse communities, by exploring their sense of belonging in the Mississauga Valleys community in the Peel Region.
Objectives
- What are youth’s experiences of belonging in relationship to physical activity?
- How should experiences of belonging be considered when planning for physical activity opportunities?
- What are the top actionable ideas for promoting belonging through physical activity before, during, and after school?
Project Timeline:
Phase 1
- Developing a Community Advisory Board (CAB) to support community engagement and co-design
Phase 2
- Using Photovoice methodology to understand youth’s experiences of belonging related to physical activity
Phase 3
- Engaging the community in an event to generate actionable ideas to promote belonging through physical activity
Project Team:
Family and Child Health Initiative:
Dianne Fierheller, Gabrielle Griffith, Kristina Fuentes-Aiello, Asli Nur, Serena Hong, Sara Abdullah, Ian Zenlea.
Ophea: Healthy Schools, Health Connections
Sabrina Scarcello, Sylvie Atwill, Tammy Shubat, Chris Markham, Jessica Chiang
Community Partners: Play in Peel, Region of Peel, MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, City of Mississauga
This project was funded by the Novo Nordisk Network for Healthy Populations Catalyst Grant Fund at the University of Toronto
Publications & Reports:
- Belonging & Physical Activity Photovoice Appendix
- Belonging_Community Report_2025
- Tough Times Publication: The Journey to Belonging
- Poster Presentation 2025 Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children, at the University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children Symposium
- Photovoice Exhibit & Poster Presentation at IBH Hazel McCallion Lecture in Shaping Healthier Communities
