Following further Place Partnership investment from Sport England, Basildon has since received additional funding to deepen the work and create the conditions for transformational change to tackle physical inactivity. On average, Basildon now has over 5,500 residents engaging each month, with a place partnership funded project.
This targeted local investment will help to reduce physical inactivity, increase physical activity, provide positive experiences for children and young people, and help to tackle the inequalities that exist in the borough. Through the work of the LDP, Basildon has already delivered against these outcomes:
Learnings and achievements from the LDP across Basildon, will shape the Place Partnership work going forward and will focus on the following areas:
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE/ EDUCATION
Basildon is working to ensure that all children and young people have access to fun, safe, and affordable activities within their local communities. Programmes such as ParkPlay, Flex Youth, holiday clubs, and youth hubs are providing free and low-cost opportunities that help young people stay active, build confidence, and feel connected. This work is expanding through support for trusted local organisations, enabling them to reach even more young people in familiar, welcoming spaces. While community progress has been strong, schools require additional support to offer similar opportunities. To address this, Basildon is adopting successful models from nearby school sport programmes and launching the ‘Creating Active Schools’ initiative. This aims to make daily movement more enjoyable and inclusive, enhancing both physical and mental wellbeing. Additionally, the ‘Move With Us’ campaign is inspiring young people to get involved, share their stories, and become ambassadors for a more active, healthier future.
COMMUNITIES
Basildon is creating welcoming spaces where residents can connect, stay warm, enjoy free food, and gently engage in physical activity, supporting wellbeing, particularly during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. A growing team of community navigators is helping people find the right activities for them, whether through GP referrals, local parks, or trusted community centres. New partnerships with faith groups are opening up additional spaces, and targeted outreach is engaging underrepresented communities, including the local traveller population. Volunteering has also flourished, with many individuals turning their lived experience into opportunities in sport, leisure, and wellbeing. Alongside this, over 250 voluntary groups and 20 trusted organisations are being supported to continue their vital work. One standout success is Northlands Park - once avoided, now transformed into a vibrant community hub. As this work deepens, the goal remains clear: to ensure everyone in Basildon has the opportunity to move more, feel better, and belong.
ACTIVE TRAVEL AND ENVIRONMENTS
Basildon is working with new partners including schools, faith groups, and businesses to open up more spaces for physical activity, while also aligning this work with the climate agenda. With Basildon Council committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030, efforts are underway to promote walking, cycling, and greener travel as ways to reduce emissions and encourage daily movement. Parks and green spaces are being improved to make them safer, more inclusive, and more enjoyable—particularly for women, girls, and individuals with mobility challenges. Initiatives like Essex Pedal Power and the creation of new community gardens are already having a positive impact, and local planning is being refreshed to ensure future housing developments support active, healthy lifestyles.
HEALTH
There is an increasing focus on prevention and community-based support in Basildon, leading to stronger partnerships with local organisations, more physical activity programmes, and new ways to help residents stay well without always relying on medical treatment. This joined-up approach is already delivering results: GP practices are signing up to the Active Practice Charter, incorporating movement into patient care and supporting staff wellbeing. Local organisations such as ATF, Motivated Minds, and Sport for Confidence are supporting thousands of people each month through activity-based services, while initiatives like the Single Point of Access are helping isolated individuals connect with the support they need.
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