Active Essex is the physical activity and sport partnership for Essex, Southend, and Thurrock. Their goal is simple: to get people moving more, improving health, wellbeing, and community connection.
What They Do
- Find Your Active: Helps residents discover fun, local ways to be active—whether starting out, returning, or managing a health condition.
- Essex ActivAte: Free holiday clubs and meals for children and families through the HAF (Holiday Activities & Food) programme.
- Local Activity Networks: Working across all districts to support sport clubs, schools, and organisations.
Supporting Communities
The Active Essex Foundation, a charitable arm, uses sport to:
- Engage disadvantaged and at-risk young people
- Reduce youth crime and improve life skills
- Deliver inclusive programmes with 200+ local partners
So far, it has supported over 6,000 young people and invested £900k+ into local projects.
Making a Difference
- 3.9% increase in active residents across Essex
- Focus on inclusion: women, older adults, and those with long-term health conditions
- Leadership in training, volunteering, and sport careers
Get Involved
- Visit activeessex.org to:
- Find local activities and clubs
- Sign up for holiday schemes
- Apply for funding (for partners)
- Access resources, training, and news
Active Essex is building a healthier, more active future—one step at a time.