Apply for up to £2k to get active

Voluntary organisations, community groups and sports clubs across North Somerset can now apply for up to £2,000 to support projects that increase physical levels of residents, thanks to North Somerset Council's work focussed on health improvement and tackling health inequalities.

Applications for round one funding opened this week and will close on Friday 31 January 2025. In total £63,000 is available for community projects that are able to deliver the outcomes and actions of Get Active - a physical activity strategy for North Somerset.

This funding has come from phase two of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2021-2024 and is ring-fenced to help increase physical activity of residents across North Somerset.

Through delivery of the strategy, North Somerset Council and key stakeholders are committed to tackling health inequalities and making North Somerset a healthier place to live for everyone. A big part of this is making sure all our residents and communities have the opportunity to be physically active and move more - whether that's through everyday activity or participating in formal sports and fitness groups and classes.

There is an overwhelming amount of evidence that proves being physically active has the power to change lives for the better, from childhood through to old age.  Even small changes to physical activity levels can make a big difference over time.

When we're young, being active helps our bodies develop properly, with a strong heart, healthy bones, muscles and brain development. As we get older, regular exercise reduces our risk of illness - from heart disease, stroke, colon and breast cancer to obesity and osteoporosis, among other conditions.

Participation in physical activity can be affected by a range of factors including time, health, support, confidence, motivation, cost, facilities, transport and knowledge of local opportunities. The council would like to address these barriers by really making a difference to the quality of people's lives through this fund available to local sports clubs, physical activity groups, voluntary clubs and community organisations.

Cllr Jenna Ho-Marris executive member for health, said: "We're a council which empowers and cares about people. We want to help people have more years enjoying good health and wellbeing through participation in physical activity.

"If you're part of a sports clubs, community or physical activity group, please look at our website and get in touch for more information. The grant money is there to support our local communities so please get your applications in!"

More information about the Physical Activity Fund is available on the Better Health North Somerset website at https://www.betterhealthns.co.uk/support/pafund/

To find out more about Get Active - a physical activity strategy for North Somerset, visit: https://www.betterhealthns.co.uk/information/get-active-strategy/

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