Beds Talks are an issues-driven programme of community-facing events, now entering their second year.

"Promoting young people's health and well-being through physical activity" takes place on January 29.

Organised by the University of Bedfordshire Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research (ISPAR), the aim is to help attendees understand more about physical activity for young people.

ISPAR is said to be passionate about engaging the public in discussions around how young people can be encouraged to engage in more physical activity to benefit their health, well-being and academic development.

"We know that if you are physically active early in life, you are more likely to be in adulthood, but often people will experience a number of barriers that may stop them from moving more," Dr Angel Chater, health psychologist and reader in health psychology and behaviour change at the University of Bedforshire, said.

"And there are some who do not actually know how much physical activity is recommended to protect health, or indeed the impact sedentary behaviour can have, even if you are meeting physical activity guidelines.

"ISPAR at the University of Bedfordshire is passionate about engaging young people and their families, health professionals, school staff and the wider community, in discussions around how we can encourage young people to engage in more physical activity."

She added: "This event will highlight the benefits both physical activity and breaking up sitting time can have on health, well-being, relationships and academic development, and will uncover the psychological, social and environmental factors that may create barriers to being physically active. 

"The event will conclude with examples of how to overcome these barriers in a helpful way to lead to successful behaviour change. 

"We will offer signposting to local opportunities and a chance to speak to local providers who will be on campus."

Dr Andrew Mitchell, head of the University of Bedfordshire School of Sport Science and Physical Activity, said the goal is to deliver an "exciting, cutting-edge event" that will help attendees understand more about physical activity for young people, with a view to improving physical and mental health and well-being.

"We will examine the current physical activity guidelines, signpost to opportunities for physical activity in the local community and share strategies for increasing physical activity in young people," he added.

"There will be opportunities for networking between sessions, where academics, local practitioners and young people can share ideas, experiences and discuss ways in which we can work together to reduce the physical inactivity epidemic we are facing."