Last year, Sport England announced their intention to build on their successful Local Delivery Pilots, which had seen investment into 12 places across England to deepen understanding of those communities and to start to address challenges unique to those places when it came to getting people to move more in their everyday lives.
As part of the expansion of this place-based approach, 53 new places have now been awarded investment, to address more localised inequalities in activity levels across England. Each place is in the top 10% of the country for inactivity, social need, deprivation and health inequality, according to the data from the latest Active Lives Adult survey and Place Needs Classification Tool. A further 27 places will be announced later this year.
We are delighted that two areas in Kent—Thanet and Gravesham—have been successfully included in phase 1 of Sport England’s place partnership investment programme. We are currently working with key partners and stakeholders and most importantly, the communities themselves to really understand the barriers and enablers to physical activity in both places. Work, underpinned by the principle that, where you live should not determine how well you live.
Critically – and here is the bit that really excites us at Active Kent & Medway, this investment is about more than quick fixes, and say 8-week initiatives, it represents an opportunity to approach and do things differently. To listen, question and if necessary, disrupt what we have come to see as cultural and behavioural norms for some groups. Growing capability, confidence and capacity in the system as well as demonstrating the positive impact that people being more active in their daily lives can have on all areas of policy. Be that community safety and cohesion, academic attainment, the environment or outcomes for individuals with long term health conditions.
Ultimately, we and our local partners are driven by the belief that the investment will enable us to:
- Truly break down barriers to participation by addressing the social, cultural and economic factors that prevent people from being active.
- Strengthen partnerships between local authorities, health services, schools, and voluntary organisations in such a way that we can not only address challenges and blockages but to share and learn from successes to create true and lasting change.
- Protect and develop those environments that make it easier for people to move more—whether that’s through safe walking routes, accessible facilities, or community-led programmes.
- Amplify the voices of those who are often unheard, ensuring that our work is inclusive, equitable and responsive. Critically fostering agency within communities—helping people to help themselves and others.
For Kent and Medway, this investment represents a pivotal moment and an amazing opportunity to accelerate our work to deliver on the ambitions outlined within Move Together – the countywide strategy for sport and physical activity. Building on the belief that with the right collaboration and community leadership, we can turn ambition into action and ensure that everyone, regardless of age, background or circumstance, has the opportunity to lead an active, healthy life.
Published: August 2025.

Liz Davidson-Kennett
Active Partnership Director
- Tel: 03000 423044
- Email: liz.davidson@kent.gov.uk
"Whether it's running, cycling or walking, I love the sense of freedom, escape and adventure that being active outside gives me."