Tackling climate change and access to green spaces are the most important issues for London communities in 2022, new research has shown. These findings have been revealed by the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay, in new research* which takes a fresh look at what community means, and which qualities inspire people today.

The research comes ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games’ search to recruit 2,022 Batonbearers for the Queen’s Baton Relay in every region of England, which will invite nominations for inspiring individuals making a difference in their community to take on the once-in-a-lifetime role in summer 2022.

The Queen’s Baton Relay is a tradition that celebrates, connects, and excites communities across the Commonwealth in the build to the Games.

Its research has found that, in London, people described their community as diverse (48%), family-friendly (33%), and neighbourly (24%).

As part of the same survey, Birmingham 2022 sought to find out what inspires people most in London. 20% revealed that the most inspiring person they know is someone who has significantly impacted their own lives and in three words they would describe them as generous, caring, and supportive. These figures of inspiration that positively challenge others to achieve their best can be nominated to be a Batonbearer for the Queen’s Baton Relay in London by visiting the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay website.

Elsewhere in the survey, 43% of Londoners reported access to green spaces as being important to their local communities.

Looking to the future of London, the three most important areas people would like to see positive change in during 2022 are climate change (37%), mental health (29%), and opportunities for young people (28%).

Discussing the findings, Lisa Hampton, Head of the Queen’s Baton Relay for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, said: “With our search to find the next generation of Batonbearers in England kicking off in January, we wanted to truly understand the type of people that inspire the nation and what community means to people today. So many have faced adversity this year and we’ve all had to rely on our communities in different ways, whether that’s through neighbours, local services, friends, or family.

“What’s really positive to see in London is just how many people have inspirational figures in their lives, and how many also hold their community in high regard. This is exactly the spirit we want our Batonbearers to represent when they take part in the Queen’s Baton Relay next summer. We’re looking for individuals that are always willing to take on a challenge, those making a meaningful contribution to their community, or someone that inspires others to achieve their best. We look forward to revealing more details about our search for Batonbearers in the next couple of weeks.”

Next summer, Birmingham will host the 2022 Commonwealth Games from 28 July until 8 August 2022, welcoming 4,500 athletes from 72 nations and territories for 11 days of spectacular sport.
In the build-up to the Games, Birmingham 2022 is hosting the 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay – a journey that brings together and celebrates communities in every corner of the Commonwealth.

After the Baton has been taken on its epic journey across the Commonwealth, where it will have visited Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Caribbean, and the Americas, it will return to England next summer for the final countdown. The Queen’s Baton will travel across England for 25 days before the Relay officially ends at the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games on 28 July 2022.

Birmingham 2022 needs thousands of Batonbearers with inspiring stories to carry the Baton during the England route and take on a journey that matters. Nominations are encouraged for individuals in London that are figures of inspiration in their community or those that take on a challenge.

Nominations for Batonbearers for the Queen’s Baton Relay in England open in January. To find out more, visit www.birmingham2022.com/qbr