A Foreword by Jason Fergus

I am delighted to share this comprehensive Active Essex Impact Report with you, for the year 2022/23. The report is full of exciting stories, videos, and key details from a very busy year for Active Essex, illustrating our contribution to Fit for the Future; the 10-year strategy for physical activity and sport in Essex, and our work towards the five strategic priorities. This simultaneously also showcases how Essex is contributing the Sport England strategy, Uniting the Movement.

The golden thread that runs through the year is the fantastic collaboration and partnerships that have supported our work and impact. We have taken the time to reflect on what we're trying to achieve and how we measure impact. Working with our sector we continue to strive to tackle inequalities, increase the level of enjoyment relating to physical activity and improve activity levels among adults and children across the county. Our ways of working, success factors and metrics will demonstrate the impact we are making, as part of complex systems, in order to hardwire physical activity and increase activity levels.

The team use the phrase ‘locally trusted organisations’, which is an appropriate description for partners who support us to deliver our wide range of programmes and services. Across different sectors, both big and small, hundreds of organisations help us serve the county’s cities, towns and villages to strengthen communities and improve the health and wellbeing of residents.

I believe that this year’s Active Essex Impact Report clearly demonstrates the incredible breadth and depth of work taking place to inspire so many to be active. The growth of the Active Essex team over recent years, reflects the increasing recognition that physical activity and sport plays such a crucial role in developing healthy and active communities, in Essex. As a result of this, we have been able to secure ongoing funding as well as attract new investment from London Marathon Foundation, Essex County Council Levelling Up, and NHS Integrated Care Boards.

Finally, a huge thank you to the committed and talented Board of Active Essex who provide the team with outstanding strategic advice and guidance. In 2022, we welcomed our new Chairman, Dr William Bird MBE, internationally recognised as an expert in the promotion of physical activity.

Please take the time to explore our Impact Report site, to see what has been achieved across the sector over the past year and hear about the amazing stakeholders and partners we’re privileged to work with.

Familiarise yourself with the vision, mission and targets set out within Fit for the Future, the Essex Physical Activity & Sport sector strategy, as this Impact Report showcases Active Essex's contribution to it.