Epping Forest locality
Epping is home to 135,009 residents and benefits from an exceptional amount of green space, including the 12-mile stretch of Epping Forest that extends all the way to London.
The district has a large working-age population alongside a higher-than-average proportion of residents aged 65+. These demographics shape both the motivators and barriers to being active locally, with time pressures for working adults and mobility challenges for older residents. Both key considerations when designing opportunities for physical activity.
Measuring impact in Epping Forest to improve outcomes for residents
48.6% Epping children report positive attitudes to physical activity.
Engaging and safe spaces ensure children feel a sense of belonging in the community and encourage more active lifestyles. Epping and Upshire Primary are making this happen with a disused train carriage!
64.3% of Epping adult residents leading an active lifestyle.
There's been a shift from delivering provision for communities, to working alongside them to grow local capacity, resilience and confidence, ensuring initiatives are shaped, led and sustained by residents themselves.
Over 1,000 young people in Epping are living with a disability.
By creating stronger, more connected pathways across West Essex, system partners are helping make provision more visible and inclusive for families with SEND children to be active in a safe, supported environments.
Making movement a priority in Epping Forest
Active Essex work very closely with Epping Forest District Council teams to embed physical activity into multiple agendas. This strong relationship has allowed further partnerships to develop across the system, from working closely with schools and community groups, to leading on health initiatives.
Due to their neighbouring district of Harlow, being a Place Partner, the Active Essex West Hub are working hard to ensure learning is shared across the border, and this has been significantly successful with the Asset Based Community Development approach.
Embedded within the Epping Forest Health and Wellbeing Board, the Epping district 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.
