Active Eastbourne and Lewes

Big change happens when communities work together 🤝

The Active Eastbourne and Lewes partnership work alongside partners and communities to create positive change across Eastbourne and Lewes District. We're always looking at ways to improve what we do and approaches such as co-production, Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) and other workshops help us learn and grow together.

Join the Sussex Community Development Association - SCDA 'Co-everything workshop':

📅Monday 22nd June
🕛09:30-15:00
📍Plumpton Village Hall

We believe collaboration helps create stronger communities and delivers bigger impact.

Your invitation has arrived ✉️

Join us this weekend for the biggest parkrun celebration yet: one million events delivered 🎊

Who are you bringing along? Tag them below 👇

🌳

British Heart Week

Sitting is the new smoking - and while that might sound dramatic, the message is clear: too much inactivity can have a serious impact on your health.

Spending long periods sitting is linked to poorer circulation, higher blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart disease. The good news? Movement is one of the most powerful ways to protect your heart.

You don't need to be perfect - just start where you are:

When it comes to physical activity:
✅Push yourself to your own limits
✅You might already be hitting recommended levels
✅ Or you may need to start a little lower and build up - that's absolutely fine.

📈The key is consistency, not perfection. Every step, stretch, and session adds up.

Regular movement helps to:
💝Strengthen your heart
💝Improve circulation
💝Lower blood pressure
💝Boost overall wellbeing

So whether it's a walk, a workout, or simply standing up and moving more though out the day - get moving and enjoy the journey.

Your heart will thank you.

If you are between the ages of 40-74 and are yet to have your NHS Health Check - you can register with One You East Sussex for your free NHS Health check, which will give you a heart health score

🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ Wednesday 3rd June is Global Running Day! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Running is one of the most accessible ways to get active—whether you're just starting out or building towards longer distances. Even better, there are plenty of friendly, inclusive running groups across Eastbourne and Lewes to help you get involved 👇

Lewes District
📍
📍
📍 Malling Rec parkrun (also Seaford & Peacehaven)
📍 Athletic Club

Eastbourne
📍 Eastbourne parkrun
📍 Ace Corporate Fitness

New to running?
Try a beginner-friendly programme:
👉 BBC Get Inspired CouchTo5K
👉 NHS Choices Couch to 5K

Running is flexible—you can go at your own pace, on your own schedule, and you don’t need loads of equipment to get started. Begin with a simple mix like walk 3 minutes, jog 1 minute, and build from there 💪

And remember, it’s not all about marathons!
Hitting the UK guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate activity per week (that’s just over 20 minutes a day) is a great goal. Try alternating walking and jogging days to get there.

👀 Not sure running is for you? That’s okay!
There are plenty of other ways to get active—find what works for you:
🌐 www.active-EL.co.uk

Tomorrow is World MS Day

Living with Multiple Sclerosis doesn’t mean you have to stop moving. In fact, the right kind of movement can be one of the most powerful tools to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. 💪

Research shows that regular physical activity can help people living with MS improve strength, balance, mobility, and overall wellbeing.

🔹 **Strength training** can improve muscle function and reduce fatigue.
🔹 **Balance and coordination exercises** can help reduce the risk of falls and improve confidence with movement.
🔹 **Aerobic activity** like walking, cycling or swimming can support cardiovascular health and help manage fatigue.

Studies published in the journal *Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders* and research supported by the National MS Society show that consistent, moderate exercise can improve mobility, reduce symptoms of depression, and enhance overall quality of life for people with MS.

The key is to start small, listen to your body, and find movement that works for you. Even short sessions of gentle activity can make a difference over time.

Movement isn’t about pushing limits — it’s about supporting your body to stay as strong, stable, and active as possible.

📅 Upcoming FREE Workforce Development Opportunities.

If you are helping to keep your local community active, join one of our upcoming online sessions to build your knowledge an gain practical tips in key areas:

👉 Engaging Your Community
Thursday 9 July, 12noon to 1.30pm (online)
For more information and to book: https://eequ.org/

👉 Raising Money For Your Club
Thursday 10 September, 12noon to 1.30pm (online)
For more information and to book.: https://eequ.org/

👉 Helping People to Become More Active
Monday 14 September, 6pm to 7.30pm (online)
For more information and to book: https://eequ.org/

ℹ️ Please note: bookings will be reviewed nearer the course dates and courses may be cancelled if there are insufficient numbers. Anyone booked on will be notified in advance.

Physical activity doesn't just impact our personal health - it has a major cost to society too.

Research consistently shows that being active improves physical health, mental wellbeing, productivity and quality of life. Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of chronic conditions including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, depression, obesity and some cancers.

The economic impact is significant 👇
As the data highlights, in 'Game On: community and school sport', countries with higher inactivity levels also face greater direct healthcare costs linked to inactivity. The UK has one of the higher inactivity rates among comparable European Nations (36% population inactive) with direct healthcare costs estimated at £20.53 per person every year due to preventable conditions associated with inactivity.

In contrast, more active countries such as:
Finland (17% inactive) spend around £5.11 per person
Sweden (23% inactive) spend around £7.76 per person
Denmark (29% inactive) spend around £9.18 per person

This demonstrates the strong link between active populations, improved wellbeing and reduced pressure on healthcare systems.

Investment in school and community sport is therefore not a 'nice to have' - it is essential infrastructure for healthier communities.

Every £1 invested in community sport and physical activity generates £4.21 in social economic value

Physical activity prevents more than 3.3 million cases of chronic conditions each year
Nearly £6 billion is saved through improved productivity and reduced sickness absence.

Closing the UK inactivity gap with comparable European nations could unlock:
Around £1 billion in healthcare savings
£3.5 billion in GDP growth
More than £70 billion in wellbeing benefits

Creating opportunities for people to move more - through schools, clubs, workplaces and communities - is one of the smartest long-term investments we can make.

🎪 Eastbourne Carnival Tennis Festival 🎾

The Eastbourne Carnival Tennis Festival is this Saturday!

But are you carnival ready?

This event is for all ages and abilities and is designed to be fun, energetic and slightly competitive, and features a range of mini games and challenges to get you in the carnival mood!

Taking place one the same day as Eastbourne Carnival, make sure you look out for the passing Main Carnival parade, which will start at 2pm!

📅 - Saturday, May 23rd
🕐 - 1pm-3pm
📍 - Fishermans Green Tennis Courts, BN22 7LH
💷 - This event is free! No booking required, just turn up!

We hope to see you there!

For more info regarding Eastbourne Carnival, click this link: 🔗 https://www.eastbournecarnival.com

Image Description: A picture of some young players lined up ready for a tennis drill at Fishermans Green Tennis Courts with the words. "Eastbourne Carnival Tennis Festival" "Taking place on Saturday May 23rd. Come test your luck with skill games, challenges and get in the carnival mood!"

🛠️ Defiant DIY Day 🦁

We're hosting a Community Action Day on Wednesday, May 27th and we would like to invite the local community to come volunteer and help with bits and bobs around our Inclusion Hub.

Running from 10:00am-2:00pm, we'll have jobs ranging from: Cleaning & Tidying, DIY, Maintenance and Gardening, all in hopes to get our Inclusion Hub ready for the busy summer months!

You are more than welcome to bring your own tools and equipment to aid with doing jobs but we'll also have some on hand.

This day is open for anyone to attend whether you have a profession in any of the jobs or just want to come down and help us out!

For those who come to help, a barbeque and soft drinks will be available free of charge.

This all takes place at our Inclusion Hub, which you can find at:

📍 - Defiant Sports Inclusion Hub, Willoughby Crescent, Eastbourne, BN22 8RA.

If you have any questions or want to know more information, pop a comment below and we'll respond.

We hope to see you at our Community Action Day!

Image Description: A picture of the outside of our Inclusion Hub.

Coach Development Opportunities During the Lexus Eastbourne Open Week! 🎾

We’re excited to be running a range of courses during tournament week, including discounted Tennis & Padel CPD, plus FREE Activator and Tennis Leaders courses.

📅 Tennis Coach CPD – Drills for High Quality Warmups
📍 David Lloyd Eastbourne
📆 Mon 22nd June | ⏰ 9am–12pm | 💷 £30
🎟️Includes a Grounds Pass ticket same day for the Eastbourne Open

📅 Padel CPD – Intro to Padel Coaching
📍 Padel4All Eastbourne
📆 Tue 23rd June | ⏰ 8am–1pm | 💷 £65
🎟️Includes a Grounds Pass ticket same day for the Eastbourne Open

📅 FREE Activator Training
📍 Old Town Hub
📆 Thu 25th June | ⏰ 10am–1pm
🎟️ Includes a Grounds Pass ticket same day for the Eastbourne Open

📅 FREE Tennis Leaders Courses (Ages 11–18)
📍 Devonshire Park
📆 Sat 27th June & Sun 28th June
🎟️ Chance to win finals tickets!

🔗 https://tennissussex.com/lexus-eastbourne-coaching-courses-book-here/

Spaces are limited and courses fill quickly - please share with anyone who may be interested!