Tendring Place Partnership

Following further Place Partnership investment from Sport England, Tendring 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 district. Through the work of the LDP, Tendring has already delivered against these outcomes:

Reducing Inactivity

42 Microgrants were funded, by working alongside local organisations
Feel Good Drumming was set up to promote physical activity, cognitive and physical coordination, and social connectivity for the elderly.
The Active Communities Harwich Project delivered 63 one-to-one walks and 49 group walks, with over 60 participants
Essex Pedal Power bike recipients inactivity levels plummeted from 46% to 6%

Increasing Activity

Beat the Street in Harwich and Dovercourt saw the proportion of active adults increase from 14% to 73%, and 46% of less active children became active

Positive Experiences for Children and Young People

The LDP supported Inclusion Ventures, with a project that supported children and young peoples mental wellbeing through physical activity.
The Youth Enquiry Service offered a mentoring service for vulnerable young girls and encouraged participation in physical activity to improve physical and mental health.
359 bikes have been distributed to children, with 313 completing Bikeability courses. 55% of children are now riding their bikes to school, with 85% reported feeling more confident.

Tackling Inequalities

The Health Index in Tendring has improved for the first time ever by 4.7%
8% increase in employment for Essex Pedal Power bike recipients in Harwich and in Clacton, bike recipients actively seeking employment increased by 16% signalling increased mobility and opportunity through active travel.
20 adapted bikes were provided to people living with disabilities through Wheels for All Tendring, and disability cycling hubs engaged over 135 participants

Find out more about the LDP

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

HEALTH

In Tendring, a new health initiative led by the North East Essex Health & Wellbeing Alliance is putting physical activity at the heart of local healthcare. By embedding Physical Activity Activators into the Tendring Primary Care Network (PCN), residents will benefit from easier access to community-based exercise through GP referrals. This shift aims to prevent illness before it starts, helping people live healthier, more active lives. The programme also supports local doctors to become ‘Active Practices,’ promoting movement as a key part of everyday care.

ACTIVE WELLBEING & ACTIVE TRAVEL/ ENVIRONMENTS

Tendring is taking big steps to support healthier, more active lifestyles by transforming local planning and leisure. Over the next three years, the district will reshape its leisure facilities to be more inclusive and community-focused, while a new £1.6 million Active Wellbeing Hub in Clacton will bring together health, fitness, and social care under one roof. A £1.4 million inclusive cycling centre will also open, and with hundreds of free bikes already distributed through Essex Pedal Power, Tendring is making active living easier and more accessible for everyone.

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

Tendring is strengthening its community-led approach to health by supporting local organisations like CVST to lead physical activity initiatives. With roles such as Community Connectors and Physical Activity Coordinators embedded in areas like Harwich and Dovercourt, residents are helping shape services that reflect their needs. These efforts are backed by new strategies and funding to build sustainable, inclusive community spaces and programmes. From cycling to social marketing, Tendring is empowering local people to lead healthier lives and take ownership of wellbeing in their neighbourhoods.

POSITIVE EXPERIENCES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Tendring is working to give children and young people better access to physical activity through 62 Wellbeing Hubs, helping improve mental health and build lifelong healthy habits. These hubs offer structured support sessions and will soon include physical activity for both children and their families. Local organisations like CVST and Inclusion Ventures are also being supported to grow and continue their vital work, especially in areas facing challenges like youth violence and deprivation. With free bikes, inclusive programmes, and community-led initiatives, Tendring is creating safer, healthier spaces for young people to thrive.

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