Chelmsford locality
Chelmsford is the third most populous district in the county, home to 183,414 residents. A notably high number of residents are either pregnant or have a child under the age of one, and the district also has a large proportion of people from ethnically diverse communities. These factors offer valuable insight into the types of potential barriers residents may face when accessing sport and physical activity.
Despite being a district that includes a major city, Chelmsford benefits from a strong provision of green spaces, parks and fields to participants in outdoor sports. This high level of outdoor space available, supports opportunities for physical activity and is currently ranked the best in the county.
Measuring impact in Chelmsford to improve outcomes for residents
1,296 more active children in Chelmsford compared to 2023-24.
Active Essex involvement on the Mid Children’s Partnership Board has helped us play an active role in supporting families to access more free and low-cost events/activities during school holidays, as well as building on existing opportunities.
67.3% of Chelmsford adult residents are active.
Shared priorities, coupled with the Find Your Active Small Grant and Places and Spaces funding has helped shape targeted interventions across the district through effective communications and resources in a coordinated approach.
66% of females in Chelmsford are leading an active lifestyle.
There is a focus on women’s safety across the district, building a culture where females feel safe and supported. The Make Space for Girls project has focused on making green spaces more inclusive for teenage girls and gender diverse young people.
Making Movement a Priority in Chelmsford
The local Find Your Active Chelmsford network works closely with Chelmsford City Council’s Community Sport and Wellbeing team, as well as the CVS. The network is also represented on the Chelmsford Health and Wellbeing Board, where one of the key priorities is to reduce excess weight and obesity, and increase physical activity among children and adults.
This shared focus helps strengthen collaboration across district partners and enables Active Essex to demonstrate the positive impact that sport and physical activity can have on local communities. Chelmsford is united by ambition and driven by movement, the following case studies show how the district is contributing to the Fit for the Future Strategy.
