Spotlight on: Cost of Living Support

There are many challenges arising from the current economic circumstances and the needs for operators to maintain financial and environmental sustainability.

Sport England has produced some guidance which aims to give practical support on how energy efficiency measures can reduce running costs for organisations involved with small physical activity and sports facilities.

Sport England’s Buddle (formerly Club Matters) offers free, convenient and practical resources for community clubs, groups and organisations that deliver sport and physical activity, helping them grow and become more sustainable and successful.

Access their wide range of tools, guidance and resources that cover all aspects of running a sports club or group – everything’s free, bitesize and simple to use.

Active Kent & Medway Small Grant

Small grants available up to £500 for local clubs and organisations looking to encourage and increase participation in physical activity for those living in Kent or Medway.

Funding could be available for projects such as new programmes, festivals, events, launches or celebrations of activity, that re-engage with their previous audience and/or encourage those new to activity to continue to be active.

“A simple application and fast to be approved. It’s made such a difference to the lives of the people within the group.”

Crowd Funding

Crowdfunder and Sport England have teamed up to make £7.5 million of match funding available to help the sport and physical activity sector to recover, reinvent and build resilience.

If your sports club has experienced financial difficulty due to Covid-19, the emerging energy, cost of living or other local crises, or maybe needs to adapt how it operates post-pandemic, follow the link below to start setting up a crowdfunding campaign and apply for up to £10,000 match funding today.

Sport England have produced a document for partners and organisations who work in the sport and physical activity sector, which explores their current, collective understanding of how the cost of living impacts people’s activity levels.

The document shares some ideas on how to help people get, or remain, active at low or no cost.

More and more clubs and facilities are looking at ways to save money, to diversify their offer and to become more sustainable longer term. The rising energy costs, along with general maintenance, usage and insurance costs means clubs and facilities need to think differently about every £1 spent.

Active Kent & Medway are keen to support sports clubs and facilities on this journey, to offer advice and guidance, whilst sharing examples of best practice along with the experiences and learnings of others.

There is strong evidence that keeping active is not only good for our physical health but for our mental wellbeing too.

Though it’s not always easy to think about our physical and mental wellbeing during challenging times, we strongly recommend having a look at Everyday Active, your go-to website for hints, tips and opportunities to stay active for less and to look after your mental wellbeing. 

Explore Activities and visit Your Communities, a specific section dedicated to each district within Kent and Medway, listing some of the many low cost, inclusive and accessible activities going on.

Helping you, your family, friends and colleagues to stay active without feeling the pinch. We’re inviting you to step outside and make the most of the great outdoors and discover some free activities right on your doorstep.

Outdoors Is Free is about enjoying the great outdoors, re-connecting with nature and re-connecting with each other.

Discover a selection of free activities to help you, your family and friends keep active and help support your health and wellbeing.