In a new chapter for Westfield Health, we’re pleased to announce that we are pioneering a £5 million co-investment partnership with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. Together, we’ll establish the Sport Legacy Institute — a new, world-first initiative that will put South Yorkshire on the map as a global leader in preventative health and wellbeing.
As a purpose-driven organisation, founded in Sheffield and proud of our not-for-profit heritage, our core mission revolves around giving back and adding social value. Last year, we pledged over £1 million to good causes in the city and beyond — a record-breaking year for community giveback. The new Sport Legacy Institute takes this a step further, building a platform that delivers cutting-edge research, new technology, and better health for those who need it most.
The Sport Legacy Institute
The Institute will deliver preventative health research, innovation and practical solutions that address key wellbeing challenges facing the region today. This could include anything from combating the mental health crisis, to encouraging girls to get active and stay active across all stages of life, to creating proactive return-to-work pathways for those suffering from musculoskeletal conditions.
“We see a future driven by wellbeing intelligence. It’s about creating a system where health is built into daily life. We want to ensure that wellbeing becomes intuitive, proactive and deeply personal, so that people can make time for health in their busy lives. This initiative is our statement of intent to lead that transformation.”
Dave Capper, CEO of Westfield Health
Health inequalities in South Yorkshire
Health inequality is a major issue for South Yorkshire’s towns and cities. Three counties in Yorkshire and Humber have a healthy life expectancy of less than 58 years, and many people in our region are missing out on years of quality life due to their economic circumstances.
The new initiative reflects a shift from treating sickness to prioritising preventative measures to keep people happier and healthier for longer. By fusing AI, digital tools, and behavioural science, the Institute aims to pioneer new standards in corporate wellbeing, reduce pressure on the NHS, and help South Yorkshire become the healthiest region in the UK.
Healthcare: making prevention the priority
We aspire to use this model as a catalyst to help create a social impact fund of up to £50 million, with the potential to scale up the learnings of the Sport Legacy Institute internationally. Through pioneering the creation of the Institute, we’re joining forces with local organisations to put wellbeing first, support underprivileged communities, and shape the future of proactive health.
“We are proud to start this from our home in South Yorkshire. This is our declaration that health must be human-first, local-first, and innovation-led. Together, we’re changing the health story of our region, and setting an intention that we hope the whole nation will follow — to put prevention first.”
Dave Capper, CEO of Westfield Health
Giving back
We partner with different meaningful causes that share a common goal — to make a healthy difference. To find out more about how we can work together to amplify the impact we make, view our partnerships page.