Young people in Thurrock are benefitting from major investment which has been secured to create new opportunities, improve wellbeing, and help prevent youth crime and anti-social behaviour.
It’s been six months since the Active Essex Foundation secured a groundbreaking three-year partnership through the London Gateway Freeport Community Investment Fund (LFGCIF), helping expand its support for young people in Thurrock and Thames Estuary communities as part of the Sport and Life Skills prevention and intervention projects.
The LGFCIF was created by DP World through a joint contribution from the Thames Freeport occupants at London Gateway Logistics Park. As a result, the Active Essex Foundation were awarded £320,000 in funding over three years, aiming to support more than 20 organisations.
The funding was awarded with the aim of benefiting organisations working with young people aged 11-24 who are at risk of exploitation, youth criminality, or involvement in anti-social behaviour. Referrals for the projects will come via partner agencies such as schools, Youth Services, Family Solutions, Youth Justice teams and community policing.
Building on a successful pilot in 2024, which engaged 125 young people and delivered over 900 hours of mentoring, the new phase aims to reach more than 200 young people in its first year. Using sport and physical activity as a catalyst for change, the initiative provides training, volunteering, and mentoring to help young people develop essential life skills, enhance their mental well-being, and work towards achieving their future career aspirations.
Ten Thurrock-based organisations have already received funding, including:
- Uturnship, Beats & Gloves – A year-long programme which fuses boxing and music to boost fitness, creativity, and confidence. Participants learn boxing basics, produce original tracks, and use their own music to train—culminating in a group mixtape. The project builds discipline, reduces anti-social behaviour, and opens pathways to future opportunities in sport and music.
- Arts OutBurst, Urban Motion – A bold, youth-led programme that blends urban artforms with mentoring to support 11–18-year-olds at risk of disengagement. Through parkour, graffiti, hip hop, and physical theatre, young people explore identity, build confidence, and develop leadership. With 44 weeks of consistent engagement, trauma-informed sessions, and peer mentoring, the project boosts wellbeing, reduces risk-taking, and strengthens pathways to positive futures.
- Open Doors, Moving Forward – Offering vulnerable young people in Thurrock a powerful blend of physical activity and tailored support. By embedding gym sessions and community activity days into our mentoring model, we help reduce isolation, build confidence, and promote wellbeing. This SportPlus approach meets young people where they are—responding to trauma, mental health challenges, and risk of exploitation with safe, positive routines and pathways to progression.
These projects provide safe spaces for young people to grow, connect with trusted adults, and access opportunities such as youth mentoring, volunteering, and recognised qualifications.
Cllr Victoria Holloway, Cabinet Member for Place and the Environment, said:
"This funding is fantastic for Thurrock. It means more young people will have access to safe, positive activities that build confidence, improve wellbeing, and open doors to future opportunities. By working with local organisations, we’re helping to create stronger communities and giving our young residents the support they need to thrive."
Suzanne Page, Project Manager for the Active Essex Foundation, added:
"This partnership is more than just about funding; it’s a lifeline for young people in Thurrock. By harnessing the power of sport blended with mentoring, volunteering and training and the opportunity to build and strengthen trusted community relationships, we’re creating safe spaces, building confidence, and opening doors to brighter futures for young people."
Alan Shaoul, Chief Financial Officer – North Cluster, DP World, said:
“At DP World, we believe our investments should deliver lasting benefits for the communities around us. Through the London Gateway Freeport Community Investment Fund, we’re proud to support Active Essex Foundation’s vital work in helping young people in Thurrock build confidence, skills and positive futures. Initiatives like this show how community partnerships can make a real difference where it matters most, and we’re looking forward to seeing the further benefits this initiative will bring to Thurrock.”