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Paragon Training Facility Achievement through Active Essex

Building Community Impact Through Purpose and Partnership

Since transitioning into a Community Interest Company (CIC), Paragon MMA faced challenges in understanding how to operate effectively, grow sustainably and deliver meaningful community impact within this new structure. With limited prior knowledge, confidence and direction were initially lacking, creating uncertainty around how to progress and maximise our potential for local impact.

After engaging with Active Essex, they quickly became a pivotal partner in our journey. Through their guidance, expertise and ongoing support, we gained clarity around our purpose, strengthened our organisational structure and improved our offer to the community. This support has enabled us to better understand our role within the local active system and how we can meaningfully contribute to improving physical activity opportunities for local people.

The working relationships developed with Active Essex staff have been invaluable. Their advice, encouragement and practical solutions have helped us overcome barriers, grow with confidence and deliver positive outcomes for our community.

 

AE Whos it for
Who's it for?
local communities in Billericay and Basildon, with a focus on underrepresented groups and those facing barriers to physical activity.
AE Prime
Prime objective
develop a sustainable, well-governed CIC delivering accessible, high-quality MMA-based activity with positive community impact.
AE Second
Second objective
build organisational capacity, partnerships and community impact while helping reduce inactivity and inequalities.
 

Key learnings

It's important to take time to reflect and understand the learnings from work undertaken, to focus on ways to improve in the future

Governance

Governance & Structure

Becoming a CIC highlighted the need for clear systems and accountability.

Sustainability

Sustainability & Direction

Early uncertainty reinforced the importance of long‑term planning and clear purpose.

Business Support 1

Confidence Through Support

Active Essex support boosted confidence and decision‑making.

Community links

Community-Focused Delivery

Improved understanding strengthened community‑led, accessible delivery.

Partnerships involved

  • Active Essex
  • Active Essex Foundation
  • Local Area Committees
  • Billericay School
  • Local small businesses
 

Active Essex’s role and impact

Active Essex has played a central role in supporting Paragon MMA’s development as a CIC. Since first meeting Nina on 02/11/25, Active Essex has provided consistent and invaluable support through:

  • 1-to-1 guidance and mentoring
  • Access to relevant training courses and workshops
  • Networking opportunities across the local active system
  • Practical advice and problem-solving support

This involvement has directly contributed to increased organisational confidence, improved structure and clearer strategic direction. As a result, Paragon MMA is now better equipped to grow sustainably, connect with partners and deliver meaningful community outcomes.

 

Ripple effects resulting from Active Essex support

  • Scheduled involvement in the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme
  • Successful delivery of a Winter HAF initiative with Active Essex Foundation
  • Awaiting outcome of a Transition Age Application with Active Essex Foundation, with expectations of securing development funding
  • Became a community sports partner at Billericay School alongside Active Essex
  • Rapid development of new partnerships and programme alignment
  • Plans in place to expand delivery from Billericay into Basildon
 
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