Active Kent & Medway has begun delivery of a new Place Universal Offer (PUO) programme, backed by investment from Sport England, to help tackle inactivity and inequalities in physical activity across four places in Kent: Ashford | Dartford | Maidstone | Folkestone & Hythe. The programme forms part of Sport England’s wider place-based approach, supporting local areas to create the conditions for long-term change.
In Kent, the programme is focused on creating stronger connections between organisations that influence the lives of children, young people and families. Active Kent & Medway is already working alongside local authorities, education settings, health partners, policing, voluntary and community organisations, and sport and physical activity providers to better understand the local challenges and opportunities.
Engagement with local Health Alliances and local Children’s Partnership Groups is already helping to raise the profile of physical activity within wider discussions around health, wellbeing and outcomes for children, young people and families.
Listening to the local communities to better understand their experiences, needs and aspirations, is ensuring the programme is informed by local insight and shaped by the people it is designed to support. Through this collective approach, Active Kent & Medway aims to maximise the impact of the investment across Kent.
The programme complements Active Kent & Medway’s existing place partnerships work across Medway, Swale, Thanet and Gravesham and will help extend learning and collaboration into other areas identified by Sport England. The programme will also support youth workforce development and expand opportunities for young people and families to be active through initiatives such as Everyday Active.
Daniel Bromley, Place Universal Offer Manager at Active Kent & Medway, said:
“This investment gives us a real opportunity to work alongside partners and communities to better understand the factors that influence activity levels for children, young people and families. The Place Universal Offer isn’t about delivering a single programme or project, it’s about building stronger relationships, connecting organisations around shared goals and creating the conditions for lasting change.”
To help develop our Place Universal Offer programme, Active Kent & Medway is hosting a two day System Partner Training Event, on 15 and 16 September 2026 at The Village Hotel Maidstone, bringing together leaders and decision-makers from local authorities, education, health, policing, the voluntary and community sector, and sport and physical activity organisations. If you are interested in attending the event, please contact Daniel.Bromley@kent.gov.uk to register your interest and receive further information.
