Residents of Bracknell, a significant development has been announced that may positively impact our community, especially for those among us in greatest need of support to lead active lifestyles. Sport England has unveiled a major expansion of its investment into local communities across England, with a focus on increasing physical activity by addressing the barriers that prevent people from being active.
The initiative, known as Place Partnerships, has received an overall package worth £250 million of National Lottery and Exchequer funding. This funding is designed to build on the insights gained from local delivery pilots since 2017. The announcement was made by Tim Hollingsworth, chief executive of Sport England, alongside Sports Minister Stuart Andrew at Waterside Leisure Centre on Canvey Island, a beneficiary of the new approach.
The significance of ‘place’ cannot be overstated when considering physical activity levels. There is a stark contrast in access to facilities and opportunities between low-income communities and more affluent areas. The most active place in England boasts nearly double the activity levels of the least active, and life expectancy can vary by up to nine years depending on one’s postcode. Additionally, the prevalence of disabilities or health conditions can be twice as high in certain areas.
In response to these disparities, Sport England has committed to expanding the number of places involved in the Place Partnerships program. An additional 80-100 locations identified as having the greatest need will benefit from £190 million of the funding. The remaining £60 million will reinforce existing partnerships and create a Universal Offer, providing key tools and resources accessible to every area in England.
This targeted investment aligns with the Government’s Get Active strategy, aiming to get 2.5 million more adults and one million more children active by 2030. By using a Place-Based Systemic Approach, Sport England intends to tailor their support to reflect the unique needs, relationships, and geography of each community.
For Bracknell, this could mean new opportunities to receive support and investment that encourages physical activity, potentially leading to improved health outcomes and a stronger, more vibrant community. As Sport England rolls out this initiative, we’ll be watching closely to see how our area can benefit from these exciting developments.
Image from Sportengland.org
