London Marathon Foundation
Inspiring activity across the county
From small grants programmes, to creating more active environments, London Marathon Foundation are helping Essex move.
As a result of RideLondon-Essex 2022, Active Essex’s partnership with London Marathon Foundation (LMF), has seen over 15,000 residents get active. One million pounds has been injected into Essex to inspire activity, with over 200 initiatives, sessions and programmes set up to encourage residents to find the activity that’s right for them, with lots of this provision taking place for residents along the RideLondon-Essex 2022 route. However, LMF funding has helped inspire activity at every corner of Essex, increasing activity levels for better physical and mental wellbeing, and strengthening communities by harnessing the power of physical activity.
Small Grants Programme
The Find Your Active fund was designed to be a clear, simple and quick grant programme aimed at the hundreds of small community and voluntary organisations right across Essex who could engage with the target audiences. Over 200 initiatives, sessions and programmes have been set up as a result to encourage residents to find the activity that’s right for them.
Read about groups supported through this funding
Funding is also enabling the expansion of community cycling initiative Essex Pedal Power into three new locations; Basildon, Colchester and Harwich & Dovercourt, following a successful pilot in Clacton and Jaywick. Essex Pedal Power is a free bike loan scheme, supporting residents to travel actively as well as increase access to employment, education and key local services in the county's most disadvantaged areas.
In addition, over 30 schools have been able to access funding to increase active travel initiatives and 70 schools have been supported to introduce active travel plans. Not only will this help to reduce the number of cars on the road around schools, but to create positive relationships between physical activity and academic performance for their pupils.
Lastly, funding has also activating communities through increasing opportunities in communities local green spaces. This has included a number of Skate Jam events across the county, utilising skate parks and including workshops to scoot, cycle and skate safely.