Process and Learning Reflections – Thanet and Gravesham (October 2025)

In November 2023, Sport England announced investment under the Uniting the Movement Strategy into place, emphasising hyperlocal co-created solutions to tackle inactivity and inequalities in areas identified as having the greatest need.

This place-based approach puts communities at the heart of change with local organisations and residents working together to create the outcomes and opportunities they want to see.

In Kent, Thanet, Gravesham, Medway and Swale have been identified for investment. This report focuses on Thanet and Gravesham and reflects on progress so far, explores what changes have taken place and why, and identifies emerging opportunities and next steps.

In Thanet, we activated underused public spaces through inclusive, youth‑centred Street Sport Sessions co‑designed with a Youth Advisory Group of 11–15‑year‑olds. Using creative, participatory methods such as sticker boards and youth‑led interviews, the initiative both gathered meaningful insights and empowered young people by giving them ownership in the process.

The approach demonstrated how relational engagement, trust building and adaptive learning can help youth participation. Deliverers, who shared lived experiences with participants created safe and welcoming environments that encouraged consistent engagement and sense of belonging.

Despite structural barriers such as poor infrastructure, dispersal orders, and the underrepresentation of some groups, the sessions successfully fostered community cohesion and relational trust, laying important foundations for longer‑term system change.

In Gravesham, the work has centred on building strong and inclusive governance to help shape strategic direction. An ongoing needs assessment is engaging local stakeholders to surface insights, understand local priorities, and identify opportunities for synergy. This work will shape two Test and Learn projects in Westcourt and Northfleet North.

Gravesham’s partnership environment is moving toward more cross‑sector collaboration. Although current involvement is primarily from local government and public health, there is recognition that faith groups, community organisations, and physical activity providers must play a stronger role for a fully place-based model. The needs assessment is helping deepen engagement across these sectors and clarifying shared priorities.

To build sustainable, community-rooted capacity, Gravesham has appointed a Community Connector through The Grand Healthy Living Centre. Recruiting locally ensures lived experience and cultural insight are embedded into the work. The Community Connector will amplify underrepresented voices, support co‑creation, and help shape and deliver the Test and Learn projects in ways that reflect local realities.