This October, Active Essex is celebrating Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) within the sector by reaffirming our commitment to making physical activity and sport accessible to everyone in Essex. We believe that everyone, regardless of their background, ability, or condition, should have the opportunity to be active and feel part of a supportive community. Here’s how we are working with partners, groups, clubs and local organisations in Essex to help break down barriers and ensure physical activity is for all.
According to the Active Lives Survey Nov 22-23 National Data:
- 3% of both black and Asian individuals are active in comparison to 64.9% white British
- 9% of people living with a disability or long-term health condition are active in comparison to 68.6% who do not have a disability or long-term health condition
- 2% of females are active in comparison to 65.9% of males
It’s time to level the playing field and ensure that everyone, regardless of their race, gender, ability, or background, has equal opportunities to participate in physical activity.
Accessibility, representation and language is where it begins, and this often starts through the promotion of an activity. At Active Essex, we understand the power of language which is why using gender-neutral terms and by avoiding jargon, ensures that everyone feels seen and respected. Inclusive imagery that showcases diversity in age, ability, gender, and ethnicity reinforces this message, while adding alt text to images allows visually impaired individuals to engage with content. Additionally, ensuring PDFs are screen reader-compatible removes barriers for those with disabilities and by making these minor adjustments, it enables everyone to explore opportunities and access resources that support their health and wellbeing.
Inclusion is about more than just words and images though, it’s about action. Joining a new sports club or activity can feel daunting and intimidating, especially for some women, those who are living with a disability and/or long-term health condition, or from an ethnic diverse background. By creating a welcoming and non-judgemental environment and by adapting activities to accommodate different abilities, helps participants to feel supported and encouraged. Whether that be by setting up women only sessions, providing inclusive equipment or by ensuring venues are accessible for people with mobility challenges, we must work together as a sector to ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.
Active Essex have supported many groups and clubs across the county, who provide or help promote inclusive sessions. Barbell Girls in Brentwood, aims to help ladies understand the benefits of movement and weight training during perimenopause and menopause. Bringing like-minded individuals together, has allowed the women to share experiences and offer a support network, tackling a subject that is also often dismissed.
Colchester Kings RFC, is the first gay and inclusive rugby team in East Anglia. Founded on June 1st 2022, the team aims to create a safe and welcoming space for queer individuals and their allies to participate in team sports.
Wheels for All is a programme that offers inclusive cycling, where people of all ages and abilities can have easy access to a broad range of cycling activities using adapted bikes. Wheels for All remove the barrier to cycling and support everyone to get involved in the sport, especially those living with a disability who may not be able to access the opportunity normally.
Flex Youth Community Group in Basildon provides opportunities for children from ethnically diverse and socially deprived backgrounds to develop skills in an environment in which they can reach their fullest potential. A range of activities take place weekly and are tailored to tackle areas of need, whilst providing mentoring, stability and a sense of community.
The sector must also be mindful of religious occasions and practices, as it can impact people’s ability to participate in physical activity. By being aware of these important dates, we can better support individuals and communities, ensuring that they can still engage in sport in ways that align with their beliefs in a safe manor. Active Essex is committed to working with local communities and groups to understand their needs and offer advice on how to tailor their sessions so that no one feels excluded.
EDI month is a chance for us to reflect on the progress we’ve made and look forward to the steps we can still take. At Active Essex, inclusivity is not a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment to making physical activity and sport welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone. By embracing inclusive imagery, accessible digital content, adaptive sports, and a positive environment, we are working with the sector to ensure that no one is left behind.
So join us on this journey! Together, let’s make the physical activity and sport sector in Essex truly inclusive, so everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthier, more active life.
