Physical activity as a preventative

Building capacity and capability in the SPA sector

Creating a stronger, more supported network for young people

The Active Essex Foundation (AEF) has expanded its Mental Health training programme to strengthen the sport and physical activity sector’s ability to support young people’s emotional wellbeing. Through free training workshops and a growing community of practice, AEF is equipping VCSE organisations with the confidence, knowledge and skills to embed mental wellbeing support into everyday delivery.

Over the past year, AEF has scaled its offer with both core and bespoke workshops tailored for locally trusted organisations , ensuring coaches, youth workers and volunteers can confidently support young people through “sport/physical activity plus” approaches.

Alongside this, AEF has established the Young People’s Mental Health and Physical Activity Network, quarterly sessions hosted by different LTOs that bring practitioners together to connect, share learning and develop collaborative solutions. The network has quickly become a valued space for peer support, sector learning and collective problem‑solving.

395

workforce members trained across Essex

93%

of participants reported increased knowledge, skills & confidence

Please continue doing what you’re doing… holding such an incredible space for connection, collaboration and support. It fills us with hope and confidence to keep going, especially with so much uncertainty out there,

N.O.W.S, LTO

AEF has fully funded, organised and facilitated the Mental Health training programme, removing financial barriers for VCSE organisations. This includes covering venue costs, coordinating delivery partners, and shaping a curriculum that meets sector needs.

For the network, AEF continues to lead planning, facilitation, and content development, while gradually moving towards co‑ownership to ensure long‑term sustainability. AEF also actively supports connections between partners, encouraging collaboration and ongoing professional development.

Achievements

Attendees described network events as “inspiring”, “motivating”, “refreshing”, “hope giving”
New connections have led to cross referral pathways, shared problem-solving and joint funding opportunities
A trial session delivered by Mid and North East Essex Mind led to a full workshop being added to the core training offer due to strong feedback

Multiple LTOs from across the county have played a key role in shaping and delivering this work, alongside Mid and North East Essex Mind, who contributed as a specialist training partner. Each networking event has also been supported and hosted by different VCSE organisations, helping to strengthen local ownership and deepen connections across the sector.

Key Learnings

It's important to take time to reflect and understand the learnings from work undertaken, in order to focus on ways to improve in the future.

Capacity

Balancing delivery and development makes attendance challenging for organisations

Access

Travel and capacity barriers make choosing local venues essential

Value

Demonstrating clear benefits encourages LTOs to value shared learning

The programme has triggered a range of positive ripple effects, including stronger collaboration between LTOs that has led to new referral pathways and increased opportunities for joint funding bids. It has also contributed to sector‑wide upskilling, enabling more consistent mental health support for young people, while growing demand has driven the expansion of AEF’s mental health workshop offer.

These groups are so positive, knowing we can share experiences and bumps in the road is so helpful, plus knowing you’re there for support.

Team Kinetix, LTO

AEF aims to expand the network further, welcoming wider system partners such as health, education and statutory agencies. This will strengthen cross-sector learning, embed mental wellbeing more deeply into community provision, and drive wider change for children and young people’s mental health across Essex.