Active Essex

This weekend’s Women’s FA Cup Final is more than a match, it’s a moment that inspires thousands of girls across Essex and beyond.

Through the Barclays Girls’ Football programme, we’re seeing more young players step onto the pitch with confidence, passion, and belief.

The women’s game is creating role models who show our girls that their goals, both on and off the pitch, are within reach. Let’s cheer them on and keep growing the game together💜

Essex County FA Barclays Football Youth Sport Trust

Active Thames is a partnership programme in place to support the development of watersports on the tidal Thames and inland waterways in London, Kent and Essex.

The grant programme has now been supporting wonderful projects and clubs across our county for four years, and this year they will be funding an additional 22 organisations to help even more people access in London, Kent and Essex!

Find out more here: https://activethames.co.uk/2026
Port of London Authority

We had a fantastic day on Tuesday with our Ambassadors at our 'Physical Activity for All' themed get-together.

Our Ambassadors took part in inclusive physical activity including Power Chair Football and Boccia, and also took part in workshops and discussions where they learnt about barriers into participation and what could be done to overcome them.

They also heard first hand from Paralympian and our Athlete Ambassador Ellie Challis, who joined us for the whole day to share her experiences growing up and in the world of elite sports.

Thanks to Essex County FA and Find Your Active Braintree/Chelmsford for delivering engaging activity sessions.

We’re proud to introduce our 'Move Maker' for May – Miriam Ibiayo 👏

Miriam has gone above and beyond as part of our Move With Us Ambassador Programme, showing real passion for making physical activity more inclusive and accessible for children and young people across Greater Essex.

From sharing valuable insights to supporting our place based work with Essex ActivAte, her dedication is already helping to shape a more active county.

Congratulations Miriam, and thank you for making a difference!

Read more: https://www.activeessex.org/news-events/blog/miriam-may-move-maker/

Sometimes, the best way to feel better is to take a step outside.

Walking has a unique way of bringing people together, creating space to clear your mind while connecting with others around you. Across Essex, community walks are helping people boost their mood, build relationships and feel part of something bigger.

From walking with family, to meeting new people at events like the St Helena Pier to Pier walk, every step helps create a sense of belonging and shared experience.

Because when we walk together, it’s not just our bodies that benefit, it’s our minds and our communities too!

Read more about it here 👇
https://bit.ly/4u9PeZj

In a world of growing uncertainty, sport and physical activity remains a powerful tool that helps us switch off and connect not just with others, but ourselves.

We often preach about the benefits of getting active during the summer months for our mental health, and encourage others to make the most of the longer daylight hours and the warmer weather.

In our latest Team Reflections, Marketing and Communications Assistant, Jack, looks ahead to an exciting summer of sport which due to fill stadiums and light up our screens. Jack also shares his passion for sport and physical activity, giving us an insight to his experience of team sports.

Read more here: https://www.activeessex.org/news-events/blog/active-essex-team-reflects-previewing-and-exciting-summer-of-sport/

🚨 One week to go! 🚨

Just 7 days away from Active Essex Foundations Power of Movement: Youth Mental Health Conference, and there's a special announcement…Ellie Challis, British Para swimmer, World & Paralympic Champion, will be featuring as a keynote speaker!

This promises to be an energising, thought‑provoking day exploring how movement can transform mental health outcomes for children and young people.

👉 Find out more on our website: https://www.activeessexfoundation.org/power-of-movement-youth-mental-health-conference/

☀️ Children’s Gardening Week is here!

With the weather warming up, it’s the perfect time to get outside and get growing. From planting flowers and building bird feeders, there are so many fun ways to help children connect with nature and get active.

Find simple, family-friendly ideas to try at home 👉 https://www.childrensgardeningweek.co.uk/fun-things-to-do/

Shining a light on the people supporting young minds 💚

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week last week, we’re highlighting the Young People’s Mental Health & Wellbeing Programme Team at the Active Essex Foundation.

Working across Greater Essex, the team plays a vital role in supporting young people’s mental health by partnering with local organisations to create inclusive, accessible opportunities. From building confidence and resilience to helping young people feel more connected, their work is all about making a positive, lasting difference.

Find out more about the team and how they’re making an impact, or get in touch via our Meet the Team page:
https://www.activeessex.org/about-us/meet-the-team/

Fresh air, family time and a little more movement!

Whether it’s a quick walk, a scoot to school or a game in the park, it all adds up.
Find simple ways to get outdoors and get active with This Girl Can

Head to their webpage to find out more 👉 www.thisgirlcan.co.uk

We're proud to support the national campaign, celebrating the Sport Welfare Officer Network and what it offers to clubs across England.

Working together, Active Partnerships, Sport Welfare Officers and NGBs help clubs create safe, welcoming and inclusive environments for everyone who takes part — and since 2024, they've supported more than 5,000 clubs across England.

Our Sport Welfare Leads Wayne and Marianne are here to support clubs a to ensure sport and physical activity across Greater Essex is as safe and inclusive as possible.

Find out more through our Safeguarding Hub: https://www.activeessex.org/sector-support/safeguarding-hub/



Sport England