Essex ActivAte Summer Community Events
Expanding Access, Strengthening Communities, and Creating Safe Spaces for Families
In the summer of 2025, Essex ActivAte delivered exciting and vibrant community events across Greater Essex, activating local parks, town centres, and green spaces to create safe, inclusive environments for families during the six week holidays. With activities ranging from sports and circus skills to cooking and garden games, the programme encouraged children to be active, creative, and enjoy screen free fun throughout the summer.
The summer events attracted many children and families, including eligible children for income‑related free school meals, and offered free food to enable longer and more meaningful engagement. These activations strengthened local community ties, promoted physical activity, and increased awareness of Essex ActivAte clubs particularly among families who had previously been unaware of the offer.
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
Venue challenges
Litter, dog mess and parking issues required volunteer support
Weather impact
Rain affected events, with one cancelled due to warnings
Volunteer importance
Volunteers ensured smooth logistics and a safe environment
Active Essex played a central role in coordinating Essex ActivAte partners, supporting the creation of new links with existing community events, sourcing suitable venues, and ensuring that activity delivery aligned with Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme objectives.
The team supported local delivery partners on the ground, promoted the events, and embedded priority areas relating to physical activity, health, and social inclusion. Active Essex also facilitated monitoring and evaluation practices, ensuring the events contributed to key performance indicators such as increased participation and improved wellbeing.
Survey highlights
- Children tried new activities, engaged in sports, and made new friendships
- The events offered free food, allowing families to stay longer and enjoy quality time together
- The events encouraged social interaction and continued participation in Essex ActivAte clubs
- It increased awareness of Essex ActivAte clubs among families who were not previously informed or missed communications
The events led to increased awareness of Essex ActivAte clubs, particularly among families who had previously missed earlier communications. It also helped strengthen local partnerships and boost volunteer engagement for future delivery. Overall, the activity enhanced trust and visibility of Active Essex as a reliable and consistent community connector.
Future developments and next steps
Looking ahead, plans include expanding green space activations within future HAF programmes, reaching additional communities across Essex, and further embedding sustainability by strengthening local partnerships.
