Rationale of the project
At the core of the “Healthy Lifestyles for Europe (HL4EU)” project is a mission to combat physical inactivity across diverse communities. This initiative, born from the recognized challenges of sedentary lifestyles, extends beyond age groups and societal strata, targeting notably marginalized young individuals. Professionals and volunteers have long grappled with the need for a unified platform for knowledge exchange at a Europe-wide scale. Coordinated by EuropeActive, with ENOS as a critical partner, HL4EU responds to this gap, aiming to share exemplary practices for promoting inclusive and healthy lifestyles across Europe. Its essence goes beyond acknowledging a health challenge; it embodies a commitment to reshape societal behaviors for a more active and resilient Europe.
Objectives of the project
The HL4EU project is driven towards fostering healthier, more active lives by delineating clear objectives that align with the evolving landscape of health promotion. These objectives, each contributing to a holistic vision, gather the essence of the project’s mission:
- HL4EU builds upon the ‘Healthy Lifestyles 4 All’ initiative, aiming to forge enduring relationships among stakeholders. The project enhances outcomes, fostering knowledge exchange, grassroots impact, and continuous policy development.
- Serve as a dynamic hub for information, collaboration, and activities to attract external organizations, creating a network promoting healthy lifestyles.
- Collect cross-sectoral good practices and share practical examples through extensive networks to inspire diverse stakeholders to collaborate effectively for a more active and healthier Europe.
- Contribute to policy development by distilling insights from best practices and Focus Group series. Craft concrete, cross-sectoral policy recommendations, enriching the discourse at the EU level.
- Raise awareness on the importance of healthy lifestyles, emphasizing cross-sectoral collaboration and reducing health inequalities. HL4EU will engage with governments, civil society, and the public to foster understanding and support for healthier lifestyles.
Project consortium
The EuropeActive (BE) (Lead partner)
EuropeActive, a prominent NGO in the European fitness and physical activity sector, represents over 25,000 facilities and 25 National Associations, boasting a membership spanning 30 European countries. Established in 1995, it has been a key player in shaping a healthier Europe. The organization, which has been based in Brussels permanently since 2007, holds significant economic influence, with investments from big-tech players like Apple, Google, and Amazon. It plays a vital role in coordinating actions and stakeholders continent-wide. EuropeActive has a rich history of proactive involvement in EU initiatives, providing informed support to its members and successfully managing EU-funded projects since 2015.
European Network for Outdoor Sports (FR)
EPIONI (GR)
Greek NGO, established in 2017, focuses on supporting informal caregivers, actively enhancing their lives and that of their loved ones. Through informational events, educational resources, and awareness programs, EPIONI addresses caregivers’ needs and emphasizes their crucial role in Greece’s health system. Advocating for caregiver-friendly policies at the local level, EPIONI collaborates with European organizations, sharing best practices in healthcare. A member of reputable organizations like Mental Health Europe and EuroCarers, EPIONI leverages these connections for knowledge-sharing, ensuring enhanced support for caregivers and patients.
European Initiative for Exercise in Medicine (GER)
Founded in 2015 in Ulm, Germany, the Independent Centre operates as an NGO for Europe, affiliated with the Exercise is Medicine (EIM) initiative. EIM, managed by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), globally encourages healthcare providers to integrate physical activity into patient treatment plans. The Ulm-based center emphasizes the critical role of exercise in health, backed by scientific studies and clinical trials in Europe. With a tradition of promoting physical activity in European countries, the center advocates for increased focus on physical activity and exercise in healthcare settings, fostering multi-organizational efforts to address health-related lifestyle patterns.
European Liver Patient Association (BE)
Formally launched in 2005 in Paris, the European Liver Patients’ Association (ELPA) stems from the collective desire of European liver patient groups to share experiences and address diverse approaches in different countries. Representing over 30 members from 25 countries, ELPA focuses on promoting the interests of people with liver disease. This includes raising awareness, addressing the low profile of liver disease compared to other medical areas, and ensuring harmonized treatment and care standards across Europe. ELPA actively collaborates in various EU-Medical research projects (Horizon 2020) and is a member of key stakeholder groups and advisory boards at EU institutions, ensuring a robust engagement in healthcare initiatives.
Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (BE)
The Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) stands as the pre-competitive platform advocating for the sporting goods industry in Europe. Representing around 1800 companies with an annual turnover of approximately €81 billion, FESI is at the core of the European institutions, providing a unified voice for the sector in Brussels. FESI’s Sport Steering Committee, with a dedicated taskforce, actively promotes the significance of sport and physical activity for physical and mental well-being. Engaging with EU institutions, FESI sensitizes political actors to include sport in policies, playing a key advocacy role. Actively participating in initiatives like SHARE, European Week of Sport, and EU expert groups, FESI is committed to various projects promoting sport and physical activity, including EU projects and internal initiatives.
It’s Great Out There Coalition (BE)
The IGOTCo is a unique non-profit collaboration, launched in 2017 by the outdoor industry, dedicated to increasing public awareness of the positive impact of outdoor activities. With over 30 full members and a turnover exceeding €250,000 in membership fees, IGOTCo actively engages in motivating, activating, and advocating for outdoor activities. Through a grant-giving program, the Coalition reinvests in delivering Outdoor Activity Days, pledging 2000 activity days annually for the European Healthy Lifestyles for All pledge board. As a partner in the European Mind Body Boost Erasmus+ project, IGOTCo contributes to mental health interventions through sport and physical activity. Actively involved in European initiatives like SHARE Lab and the Green Sports Expert Group, IGOTCo collaborates with various stakeholders to promote an active and green future for Europe.
Period of the project
January 2024 to June 2026
Expected outcomes
- Cross-Sectoral collaboration, by facilitate collaboration among leading NGOs and sector federations from sport, physical activity, outdoor, health, and mobility sectors. Address the physical inactivity pandemic and increasing NCD burden through cross-sectoral approaches to healthy lifestyle promotion.
- Develop capacity for sustainable collaboration on healthy lifestyle promotion. Expand the involvement of diverse organizations and sectors in making healthy lifestyles accessible to all Europeans.
- Contribution to policy initiatives, by align with past, present, and future Commission policy initiatives for active and healthy lifestyle promotion. Actively contribute to making healthy lifestyles and their benefits accessible to all Europeans.
Project Activities
1. Awareness and Outreach
The HL4EU project will center its efforts on awareness, stakeholder engagement, and garnering support. The concise Call for Action will highlight cross-sectoral approaches to healthy lifestyles, becoming a vital reference for stakeholders and policymakers. Beyond the project webpage, the Cross-Sectoral Healthy Lifestyles Platform will be launched, featuring a Good Practice section. A Community Building Conference will bring together supporters, instigators, and stakeholders for discussions on achievements, workplans, and practical applications of physical activity. This phase will conclude with the release of the Vision & Mission Video, emphasizing project objectives and promoting healthier lifestyles, establishing a robust foundation for awareness, support, and collaboration.
2. Knowledge Gathering
In this phase, comprehensive desk research within the consortium will prioritize cross-sectoral cooperation to promote healthy lifestyles through physical activity. The research involves creating a comprehensive database for future project activities. Following this, the Call for Good Practices will be launched, leveraging partner networks and various channels for dissemination. Virtual Focus Groups will gather insights from selected applications, laying the groundwork for drafting Policy Recommendations. The 4th project meeting will offer a chance to review the accumulated knowledge and focus group outcomes, bolstering cross-sectoral initiatives. The compiled insights will undergo thorough analysis, contributing to the enhancement of initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles in natural areas.
3. Dissemination and Sustainability
In this phase, efforts will intensify for dissemination and sustainability, building on the ongoing communication plan. The Cross-Sectoral Healthy Lifestyles Platform will continuously update its Good Practice portal with insights from the previous phase. The platform’s final version will launch at HL4EU’s concluding conference in Brussels, coinciding with the European Public Health Week in May. This event, a focal point for dissemination, will review achievements, present Policy Recommendations, and discuss HL4EU’s future beyond the project. The Policy Recommendations, derived from Good Practices and Focus Group insights, will provide cross-sectoral, updated policy guidance, accessible on project webpages. An Outcomes and Results Video will follow the conference, sharing highlights and the consortium’s vision for cross-sectoral collaboration in promoting healthy lifestyles.
Target audiences
The Healthy Lifestyles for Europe (HL4EU) project has identified a diverse target audience across three key levels for its communication and dissemination activities.
At the European level, engagement is planned with UN-related institutions, European bodies, umbrella organizations, networks of NGOs, universities, and research centers.
On the national and regional level, the project aims to connect with policymakers, trade associations, civil society organizations, and media partners.
At the local level, focus shifts to engaging with local governments, grassroots organizations, and individual professionals such as doctors, caregivers, trainers, and patients, ultimately reaching the broader general public.
Project Funding
The project has been co-funded by the European Commission with the support of theErasmus+ Youth Cooperation Partnerships program with a 400,000 euros total budget
HL4EU Project Kick-off Meeting
The kick-off meeting for the HL4EU project was held February 1st and 2nd in Lyon, France, graciously hosted by ENOS. This significant event served as the initiation point for a collaborative journey, symbolizing the start of concerted efforts to address the challenges of physical inactivity and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in Europe.
During the kick-off meeting, the lead partner facilitated essential activities to set the stage for the project’s successful execution
Partners’ introduction and networking:
Partners had the opportunity to meet the rest of the consortium, fostering an environment for collaboration. This allowed partners to get acquainted with each other, promoting a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Project overview:
A comprehensive review of the project’s objectives, timeline, deliverables, and activities took place. The division of roles and responsibilities among partners was discussed in detail, providing a clear understanding of the collective vision and mission.
Workplan dive:
Partners delved into the upcoming 6-month workload and timeline. This strategic review ensured that everyone was aligned with the project’s short-term goals and milestones, setting the foundation for successful collaboration in the initial phase.
Administrative and financial guidance:
The meeting included a session to review administrative and financial requirements, ensuring that all partners were well-versed in the operational aspects of the project. Additionally, the Dissemination plan was presented, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and outreach throughout the project.
Conclusion:
The kick-off meeting served as a crucial platform for aligning partners, clarifying project details, and establishing a solid foundation for the collaborative efforts that will drive the HL4EU project forward. The event marked the beginning of a shared commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles across Europe.
Our sincere gratitude extends to all partners, with special acknowledgment to the lead partner, EuropeActive, for their exceptional planning and execution. Their meticulous efforts have not only set the stage but also laid the groundwork for a project poised to make a substantial impact.