New funding will help give estate residents sporting chance of a healthier future
REDUCING inequality and improving mental health on the Lancashire Hill Estate will be a key focus in coming months following a successful bid by key local organisations for Sport England funding.
The funding, which was secured by Life Leisure in consultation with Stockport Council and partners, will see a series of physical activity initiatives delivered to the area, along with capacity building and upskilling activities.
This will form part of the Stockport Moving Together physical activity recovery programme, devised in response to COVID-19, and forms part of the One Stockport campaign.
The successful proposal was largely informed by feedback from the Lancashire Hill community, with a group of proactive residents also identifying latent demand for a range of activities, including football, basketball, and walking.
A chief concern amongst Lancashire Hill residents was the lack of opportunity for young people in terms of employment prospects, which the initiative seeks to address.
Young people will have the opportunity to take part in coaching experiences and courses, building on leadership skills learnt in Key Stage 4.
This could lead to industry-recognised qualifications and potentially employment, including through networking opportunities and Life Leisure’s young apprenticeship programme.
The Tackling Inequalities Fund forms part of a £210 million support package to help the sport and physical activity sector through the ongoing coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis.
£20 million has been set aside from this package for the fund as National Lottery money, and focuses on lower socio-economic groups, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, disabled people, and people with long-term health conditions.
Cllr Jude Wells, Cabinet Member for Adult Care & Health, said: “This is very much about delivering at the grassroots level as we build back better: residents identifying local issues, working with key local organisations to develop a solution, and then seeing this kind of result.
“We want residents to have that conversation about how we can build back better, and I would encourage all to visit the One Stockport website to shape how the borough responds to this pandemic.”
Ian Dixon, Head of Active Communities in Life Leisure, said: “It is important for us to be part of a collaborative approach to support the creation of sustainable change which is led by the community.
“We cannot stress enough our commitment to help the local community on the Lancashire Hill estate and be part of the social movement that will empower residents to be active and facilitate coaching and mentoring opportunities.”
Colin Wasson, Medical Director of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said: “We’re happy to support this important project for the residents of Lancashire Hill, which will enable community based services to deliver beneficial information and activities which help support local people’s health and wellbeing over the longer term.
“We hope to see it help reduce health inequalities and having a really positive impact on the health of residents in the area.”