The Play Well Podcast 48 - Dr William Bird MBE Getting Communities Active Through Games and Play
Sep 1, 2025
Dr. William Bird MBE, a family GP and advisor to the World Health Organisation, discusses innovative ways to get communities active through play. He shares insights on pioneering health initiatives like 'Beat the Street' and the profound impact of nature and competition on physical activity. The conversation delves into the importance of reclaiming childhood independence and fostering safe environments for kids. William emphasizes personal initiative in driving community change and the transformative power of games in building bonds across generations.
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From GP Practice To Community Games
- William Bird started Health Walks and Green Gyms as a GP when patients feared getting lost or being outdoors alone.
- Those projects led him to found Intelligent Health and later create Beat the Street to gamify community activity.
Towns Turned Into Games
- In Stranraer Beat the Street reached 34% of the population and in Dunfermline about 25%, transforming whole towns into games.
- High visible participation gave people permission and confidence to explore local places they previously ignored.
How Beat The Street Works Physically
- Beat the Street began with wooden boxes and Nokia phones and evolved to RFID and smart cards distributed via schools and community centres.
- Players tap boxes on lampposts to score points for teams, which draws people to parks, canals, museums and local events.