Sport England funding supports 93 clubs, groups and organisations across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin to provide activities for people struggling to be active

From April 2022 to March 2023, clubs, groups and organisations were able to access Sport England funding via the Together Fund and Birmingham 2022 Small Grants Fund to provide targeted activities for people experiencing inequalities in accessing sport and physical activities. Over £230,000 was distributed over the 12-month period to support the creation of new activities or the extension of existing activities to new audiences.

The Together Fund was launched to help to reduce the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and to help community groups to continue to exist and engage with their communities and support people to be active. The Together Fund provided funding of up to £10,000 per organisation and has been a valuable resource for community sports clubs and organisations, not only helping them to continue delivering their services and programmes but to expand their provision to better serve and support their local communities.

 

Naomi, Arts Coordinator Arty Party said:

“Boundless has been able to go from strength to strength thanks to the funding provided by Sport England via Energize.” 

 

George, Director of Primary Sport, Health & Community Marches Academy Trust said:

“The funding has helped Longlands Primary School re-connect with local community organisations, community members and pupils across Market Drayton.”

 

The B2022 Small Grants Funding sought to provide smaller grant funding opportunities of up to £2,500 per organisations, encouraging activity that focused on the values of the games; bringing people together, improving health and wellbeing or helping the region to grow and succeed. This funding was able to encourage excitement in the lead up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, and to go some way in supporting a legacy of activities delivered in the spirit of the games locally across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.

 

Adam, Fundraising Officer at Telford Aqua Swimming Club said:

“The funding we have received has been incredibly valuable and beneficial for our club it has ensured TASC is here for the future, allowing us to continue doing what we love and do best”

 

The below infographics display the overall details of the funding provided split by funding stream.

 

Through communication with the funded organisations and site visits we have been able to gather invaluable learning, including examples of and stories on how the funding has improved access to sport and physical activity opportunities across the county. You can see some stories here.

 

As an extension of this work to ensure these activities are sustainable and that organisations continue to feel supported, we have launched our Futureproofing Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin (STW) programme. Futureproofing STW will offer organisations the tools, training and essential skills to not only sustain activity, but to build resilience and grow so groups can continue to support their communities in the future. Click here for more information on our Futureproofing STW webpage.

 

Click for more information about support available for your organisation or email the Empowering Communities team.