Active Essex

Spotted in Harlow Town Park 🦁

Have you visited the lion as part of the pride? We've loved seeing all your photos of our lion and the rest of the pride across Harlow, Epping and Loughton. If you've tracked one down, we'd love to see your snaps!

Find out more using the link below and share your photos in the comments 👇

Lasting change often starts with a simple idea: bringing people together in the places that matter most.

From first-time runners to families, volunteers and local organisations, the inaugural Omnia Community RunFest in Rayleigh last month showcased the incredible impact of community-led events. With nearly 800 participants and overwhelmingly positive feedback, the event demonstrated how active communities can help people feel happier, healthier and more connected.

Read our latest blog to find out why Omnia Community RunFest was about so much more than a run: https://www.activeessex.org/news-events/blog/how-runfest-is-activating-place/

Find Your Active - Rochford Rochford District Council

A fear of judgement can stop many women from getting active, whether it's about appearance, ability or feeling like they're not "fit enough" to take part.

At Active Essex, we're proud to support This Girl Can, celebrating women of all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities who are moving in ways that work for them.

Remember, there's no right way to get active. Every step, stretch and session counts.

A special few weeks for some of our locally based athletes representing their countries. At the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Essex athletes achieved an impressive 7 medals on the track, in the pool, in the boxing ring and in the gym.

Maldon born swimmer Erin Little, won 2 medals, earning Silver in both the women's and mixed 4x100m freestyle relays.

Isaac Okoh, a boxer from Grays won Gold in the boxing 90kg class final.

Emily and Abigail Roper, twins from Wales and students at the University of Essex, both brought home Bronze. Emily on the bars, and Abigail in the vault competition. Josh Nathan, who trains at South Essex Gymnastics Club in Basildon was part of the Men's Artistic Gymnastics team that won all-round Silver.

Samuel Bennett, who trains at Basildon Athletics Club, won Silver in the 110m hurdle final, after finishing first in his heat earlier in the day. Samuel was also chosen to represent Team GB at the European Athletics Championships, reaching the final with a personal best time.

And finally over the weekend, Charlie Dobson from Colchester won sliver in the Men's 4x400m relay competition at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham!

Join us in giving them a massive congratulations, all of them doing Essex proud!

What if the thing holding you back from being active isn't fitness... but confidence?

As part of our Women and Girls Like Us campaign, we're celebrating Sarah Clyne whose classes help women overcome self-doubt, feel welcomed and discover the many wellbeing benefits of moving more.

As last year's Essex Activity Awards, Find Your Active Wellbeing Award winner, Sarah's story is a powerful reminder that being active is about so much more than exercise. It's about feeling like you belong.

Read Sarah's inspiring story by clicking the link in the comments below 👇

Being active is better together💙

Whether you're walking with friends, moving with family, joining a local group or taking part in a community event, getting active with others can help boost mood and strengthen connections. Move together for your mind this August.

Alongside Mind in Essex, we're here to support you: www.activeessex.org/find-your-active

South East and Central Essex Mind Basildon Mind Mind in West Essex Thurrock and Brentwood Mind Mid and North East Essex Mind

Meet Sarah-Get Active, our Find Your Active Place Navigator for and surrounding areas! 👋⭐

Sarah is helping residents across Tendring become more active by connecting them with local activities, groups and opportunities that suit their interests and needs.

To make getting involved easier, Sarah has introduced a programme of informal taster sessions, giving residents the chance to try new activities in a friendly, supportive environment and discover what's available in their local community.

From building confidence to creating new connections, Sarah's work is helping more people take positive steps towards healthier, more active lives.

Who do you enjoy being active with?

Getting active with others can help us stay motivated, build connections and support our mental wellbeing.

As part of our Find Your Active: Move for your Mind campaign, this month's focus is Together for your Mind, highlighting the positive impact being active with others can have on our wellbeing.

Whether it's joining a local sports club, attending a fitness class, or simply going for a walk with friends, there are plenty of ways to get active together.

Find an activity near you using our Find Your Active Activity Finder via the link in the comments 👇

Enjoying the sunshine and getting active outdoors?

The warmer weather is a great opportunity to get moving, whether that's a walk along the coast, a bike ride, or time spent being active with family and friends. While you're making the most of the sunshine, remember to take care of yourself and stay sun safe.

A few simple steps can help you stay comfortable, protected and active throughout the heatwave, so you can continue enjoying all the benefits that moving more brings.