Colchester Place Partnership

Following further Place Partnership investment from Sport England, Colchester has since received additional funding to deepen the work and create the conditions for transformational change to tackle physical inactivity.

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 city. Through the work of the LDP, Colchester has already been delivering against these outcomes:

Reducing Inactivity

33 Microgrants were funded, by working alongside local organisations
Street Tag was trialled in care homes to improve mobility and social connection. At Loganberry Lodge Care home, 86 residents participated and recorded 2,324 scans
Essex Pedal Power inactivity levels dropped by 10% and trackers averaged 2,753 minutes of cycling per recipient.

Increasing Activity

625 participants across schools, communities and workplaces engaged in Street Tag and walking 30+mins daily increased by 16.64%
The Green Prescribing Project focused on early intervention and prevention to improve health and wellbeing, and engaged over 1,200 people, delivered 9 walking programmes across Colchester and engaged 52 new doctors

Positive Experiences for Children and Young People

ParkPlay sessions in Colchester have attracted 335 participants across 120 sessions
Project:ME combines life coaching and mental wellbeing tools to support young people and their families. Three 18 week programmes took place, with 61% of individuals reporting improved happiness, and self-reported good health increased by 58%
The LDP match funded a project with the Colchester Cultural Association, which engaged 300 muslim children and young people in culturally relevant sports. 94% reported a positive impact on their mental wellbeing, and 88% increased confidence.
417 children, many with neurodiversity, engaged in positive skateboarding experiences through a mobile skate park

Tackling Inequalities

In Greenstead, the Fit & Fat project ran weekly aerobic and Zumba sessions for women in ethnic minority groups.
LGBTQ+ charity The Outhouse, received LDP funding to deliver dance and exercise classes for the community, which engaged 416 participants, with 62% reporting improved mental wellbeing
Age Well East received funding for specialist sports flooring to support vulnerable residents aged 50+ through accessible indoor activities
10% increase in access to employment for Essex Pedal Power bike recipients, signalling increased mobility and opportunity through active travel

Find out more about the LDP

Learnings and achievements from the LDP across Colchester, will shape the Place Partnership work going forward and will focus on the following areas:

HEALTH

Physical activity will be put at the heart of a new, prevention-first approach. With support from the Health & Wellbeing Alliance, residents will see more community-led services, easier access to activity and wellbeing resources, and GPs actively recommending physical activity as part of care. A new programme is growing a movement of leaders and frontline staff who will empower communities to create healthier lifestyles together, while funding and partnerships will bring innovative physical activity solutions to where they’re needed most, whether it’s your GP surgery, local park, or neighbourhood network.

ACTIVE WELLBEING & ACTIVE TRAVEL/ ENVIRONMENTS

Colchester is becoming a more active, connected, and healthy place to live. From transforming leisure centres like Colchester Leisure World into modern wellbeing hubs, to regenerating Greenstead with a new community health and activity centre, the city is investing in spaces that support healthier lifestyles. Youth centres are being upgraded, as well as new basketball and climbing facilities at Colchester Town House, and over 800 bikes have already been given to local residents through Essex Pedal Power, helping people to get active, access work, and feel more connected.

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

Colchester is putting communities at the heart of its transformation, using local insight and leadership to shape more active, connected neighbourhoods. The city’s “Communities Can” strategy is now driving Colchester City Council’s new way of working, with a dedicated officer ensuring physical activity is embedded across services. In Greenstead and other high-need areas, residents are co-designing local activity projects with support from Colchester Borough Homes and a Physical Activity Coordinator, helping to build stronger, healthier communities from the ground up.

POSITIVE EXPERIENCES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Colchester is working to give children and young people more positive, active experiences through its Wellbeing Hubs, which support mental health and resilience with structured after-school sessions. Plans are in place to embed physical activity into all hubs, alongside family-focused programmes to build healthy habits early. In schools with the highest obesity rates, targeted support will help children and families improve physical literacy and wellbeing. Local organisations that support young people - especially those vulnerable to exploitation - will also receive investment to grow, ensuring safe, active spaces are available.

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