Significant investment from Sport England will transform lives in Thurrock through the power of sport and physical activity.
This week signals a momentous occasion, for the Place Partnership investment which will deliver impact against:
- increasing physical activity
- decreasing physical inactivity
- providing positive experiences of physical activity for children and young people
- tackling inequalities in local communities
Sport England launched this major funding initiative, which will see £250 million of National Lottery and Exchequer funding invested in more than 90 new places across England until 2028.
Investment into Essex will see Thurrock, Castle Point and Harlow benefit, whilst Basildon, Colchester and Tendring have received further funding support, following the work achieved through the Essex Local Delivery Pilot.
Aiming to break down the everyday barriers that prevent people from moving more and living well, this opportunity will focus on areas that need support the most, helping make physical activity a daily reality for everyone, regardless of their postcode or income.
Opportunities will be co-designed with the community, in response to the specific needs identified in each place, whilst local organisations and projects will be supported to deliver new and exciting initiatives that help build capacity across the system, creating meaningful and lasting impact.
Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director of Place at Sport England, said: "Our recent investment into Essex reflects our continued commitment to ensure that interventions are rooted in the unique needs, cultures and priorities of local communities. Targeted investment in areas of greatest need can unlock participation and reduce health inequalities. The three new places in Essex, and the three already well on the journey, will be shining examples of how these types of approaches can drive real change locally to help create a more active, healthier nation."
Cllr Mark Hooper, Cabinet Member for Health and Well-being, said: “This funding marks a transformative step forward for Thurrock. By investing in the health and wellbeing of our residents, we’re not just promoting physical activity, we’re building stronger, more connected communities.
“With the support of Sport England and Active Essex, we’re committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to lead a healthier, more active life.”
Active Essex is well positioned to help navigate, following extensive learning over their 13 year growth. As one of 43 Active Partnerships, which started as a legacy of the London 2012 Olympic Games, Active Essex are pioneers in place-based working and this has been supercharged through the work of the Essex Local Delivery Pilot (LDP), which began in 2017.
Dr William Bird, Chair of Active Essex said: “The success of the LDP has meant that Essex has received further funding to support three new areas. What we’ve learnt alongside our partners, is that we must create the conditions for our communities to thrive, and I have no doubt that this further investment will be capitalised on by all places in Greater Essex. Utilising learnings across the system from health and education, to transport and recreation, we all have the ability to co-create physical activity opportunities for everyone.”
Across the six Place Partnerships, work has already taken place on identifying local needs and has seen opportunities such as Beat the Street in South Ockendon and Aveley, walking groups and activities at Koala Park, Tilbury, and Essex Pedal Power develop and kick start this exciting new journey for Thurrock and the wider county.
Find out more about Place Partnerships here: https://www.activeessex.org/place-partnerships/