We are pleased to announce that we have launched a new impact Report site to show our contribution to the systems Fit For Future strategy over the past year. Active Essex have been busy collaborating with these fantastic partners who deliver a range of programmes and initiatives to aid the health and wellbeing of resident’s county wide.
Across the Impact Report site, you will be able to access case studies, read about our learnings, breakthroughs and successful behaviour change campaign. Through the site, you can explore work carried out around the five strategic priorities and learn more about the initiatives delivered in local districts and boroughs.
The report will take you on a journey to read about our work to encourage Essex residents to become more active and how it’s helping to strengthen communities and groups, combatting loneliness and isolation. We have also been able to fund a range of initiatives that aim to assist residents who may be finding activity difficult due to this cost of living crisis.
Using shared community spaces has been a great example of how spaces can become safe hubs for residents. 82 projects were held in less traditional settings which has been beneficial to hardwire physical activity into the community without placing residents into an environment they’re uncomfortable with if they have previously been inactive or less active. Reaching seldom heard communities that have been facing inequalities was an important aim for Active Essex and through Sport England’s Together Fund we were able to deliver 134 projects. These specific projects have made important strides to create a platform for specific groups to explore what movement works for them, and help us tackle the inequalities that exist across Essex.
Activating communities to become active has always been at the forefront of the systems 10 year plan to get Essex moving more and through mass events such as RideLondon, Active Essex were able to get 15,000 residents active thanks to the London Marathon Foundation powering a range of funding pots.
The range of Essex residents engaged in activity has been made possible through varied programmes such as Able Like Mabel and The Daily Mile. The Find Your Active Fall-Proof Programme which has taken off in Mid and South Essex has been an important resource in educating older residents in how to add movement to their routine but being safe whilst doing so. 40,000 resource packs have been distributed and this has ensured steps have been taken to encourage behaviour change. In comparison, the Daily Mile has been an initiative aimed at young people in schools, targeting a younger demographic to add movement into their routine. The Daily Mile was integrated into the school day to create a healthy routine in the hope that out of school hours, the young people would be keen on getting their steps in!
This year has also seen the expansion of previous successful programmes and Essex ActivAte, which was created after Essex County Council recognised the need for free activities during school holiday for children, has been a prime example. The programme delivers approximately 200 clubs during the holidays. Not only do these clubs provide physical and enrichment activities for children but clubs were able to provide over 400,000 free meals to support eligible children.
Active Essex would like to thank all of our providers and partners for their ongoing support and hard work which has enabled us to ensure even more residents have the opportunities to get active. The stories and statistics we have collected and inputted into this years Impact Report have motivated us to continue and improve on our progress so that we can encourage as many residents as possible to get active and find what works for them. Please visit our site and explore the different pages under our localities to read more.
Browse our impact report here: https://www.activeesseximpact.org/
