Active Braintree
Strengthening sport and physical activity networks in Braintree
Active Braintree is one of 14 Find Your Active networks across Essex, established to lead, develop and coordinate sport and physical activity at a local level in partnership with Active Essex.
Led by the Active Braintree Foundation, the network brings together organisations and individuals who share a commitment to improving physical activity levels across the district.
The network is driven by the shared vision that everyone in the district should have the opportunity to engage in sport and physical activity to improve their health, wellbeing and enjoyment. Through partnership working and understanding local need, the network collaborates with local organisations to help tackle inequalities and promote inclusion.
Active Essex provides strategic leadership, ongoing trustee support and allocated funding to enable Active Braintree to support organisations that are developing or expanding activities locally. Active Essex also brings national and countywide insight into the network, drawing on learning from across Essex and wider system partners.
Together with the Active Braintree Foundation there has been capacity building support implemented at place to offer sports clubs and local organisations the opportunity to build their skills and knowledge helping to create safe and sustainable activities. This has included workshops on bid writing and club governance.
Active Essex’s involvement has helped provide stability, accountability and direction, enabling the network to focus on delivering meaningful, locally led impact.
Active Braintree is supported by a strong partnership network that includes the Trustees of the Active Braintree Foundation, Braintree District Council, Freedom Leisure, local sports clubs and community organisations, Health and Wellbeing Panel partners, and local volunteers and community leaders, all working together to strengthen and enhance sport and physical activity opportunities across the district.
Through this strong partnership work, Active Braintree has been able to support the mobilisation of wider local campaigns and initiatives, including the Find Your Active Braintree Navigator and Holiday and Food Activity summer family events. More broadly, the network has strengthened relationships between leisure providers, the local authority and community groups, creating a more connected and collaborative local system.
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.
Local Networks
Using local insight and relationships helps address unique community activity needs effectively.
Volunteer Recognition
Celebrating volunteers motivates continued delivery of local sport and activity opportunities.
Grassroots Funding
Flexible grants support growth but reveal ongoing capacity and sustainability challenges.
What’s next?
Active Braintree will continue to support the district’s sport and physical activity sector while planning for the future.
The network will prioritise providing stability and support to local organisations during ongoing system changes linked to Local Government Reorganisation and NHS reform. This will include strengthening the new partnership with Freedom Leisure, who took over the operation of Braintree leisure centres in 2025. A particular focus will be establishing a health referral pathway for the district that breaks down barriers to activity for those who are managing long term health conditions and cost of living pressures.
