New funding set to tackle activity inequalities in Northumberland and Tyne & Wear

A new fund is being made available to help those most in need to get physically active.

Research by Sport England is showing that there is a widening gap in the activity levels of certain communities as a result of the Covid-19 disease. In order to help combat this, Rise, the local active partnership, is distributing £110,000 of lottery funding to organisations in Northumberland and Tyne and Wear to develop and run projects that will provide these communities with better access to activity opportunities.

Clare Morley, CEO of Rise said: “We know that keeping physically active is extremely important to help people look after their physical and mental health. Unfortunately, people with lower incomes, black, Asian and minority ethnic communities and people with disabilities and long-term health conditions are less likely to be active than other communities and the effects of Covid-19 are widening the gap that already exists.

“We will therefore be working with a wide range of community organisations who really understand people in these groups, including the barriers that stop them from being active, to develop opportunities that will encourage activity.”

Sport England has initially channelled £3.3m through the 42 active partnerships across England to support groups in their areas. This will enable community groups working with target audiences to continue to exist and engage with their communities with a view to keeping them active.

Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England’s chief executive said: “We are proud to be able to provide this funding and support through Rise in this difficult period. This funding will help support our valuable community infrastructure that is so important in keeping the nation active and will also provide important connections and reconnections for people whose lives have been affected by COVID-19 and for whom remaining active is so important for their physical, mental and social wellbeing. We know from our research and data that there are existing inequalities between groups when it comes to activity levels and COVID-19 has re-inforced these.

“Thanks to the support of the National Lottery and its players, the Tackling Inequalities Fund will be both crucial and central to ensuring no-one is left behind when it comes to having the opportunity to be active during this period. This builds off the back of our £35m Community Emergency Fund that has already reached and supported over 7,500 community clubs and groups across England.”

*Since publishing this article the funding has now been allocated.