Harlow Place Partnership

In the past three years, the council has secured over £63 million in Government funding and significant private investment for town centre revival, and this Place Partnership opportunity comes at a perfect time to add a physical activity dimension to the major growth, investment, and regeneration programmes that are planned.

The proportionate element of the Place Partnership work in Harlow will focus on areas of greatest need, particularly in increasing levels of physical activity and building the capacity of voluntary and community organisations in the most inactive and deprived areas. The presence of 36 locally trusted organisations identified by Active Essex, will provide a strong foundation for expanding Place Partnerships and promoting community wellbeing through inclusive activities. With a system leads and a working group consisting of Harlow Council, Rainbow Services, West Essex Health and Care Partnership and Active Essex, a strong governance structure has been established, which is helping to drive this work in Harlow.

The health sector in Harlow is well aligned to the vision and outcomes for Place Partnerships and the Health Improvement Service has already established 10 community hubs, which will provide non-clinical support for health conditions, creating an exciting structure for the Place Partnership. In addition, the unique provision of sports and leisure facilities in Harlow offers an interesting angle on the national conversation about public leisure.

The development phase of Place Partnerships, which took place between May 24 and May 25, enabled capacity; including the appointment of a Physical Activity Coordinator, leadership, networking opportunities, and evaluation and insight. Individuals, clubs and groups who could help get residents in Harlow who experience inequalities to become more active, were also encouraged to put forward their ideas for potential funding and in total 17 test and learn projects have been piloted, with Essex Pedal Power Harlow being one.

With a shared purpose of ‘providing inclusive opportunities that inspire and empower residents to thrive and live active healthy lives in safe, supportive environments’, the Place Partnership expansion opportunity in Harlow has excellent potential for success and long-term impact.