Let’s celebrate the power of togetherness through movement! Physical activity is more than looking
after one’s health, it’s a way to connect, share experiences and lift each other up in a support
network. Whichever form it takes, movement brings us closer and reminds us that we’re stronger
together.
Active Essex believe that togetherness means more than being part of a team, it’s about supporting
one another, creating safe spaces and listening to the needs of those who want to find their active.
One club that embodies the message of togetherness is the Amigos Ladies Running Club in Rochford.
Safety when moving, especially outside, can often be a barrier for women. Bringing local ladies
together, on a regular basis, with a group run has not only created a community but recognised that
activity is made easier to engage with when supported by others.
Setting aside time, daily or weekly to get together with friends, colleagues or family to move can
have a range of benefits. Campaigns such as Walk and Talk 4 Men and Time to Talk, understand that
walking with someone, side by side, and dedicating this time for that person can spark important
conversations. As we observe men’s health month in November, this message is more important
than ever to spotlight how men should be encouraged to come together, talk and discuss their
health. Statistics show that men are less likely to seek medical assistance for their mental health so
using movement and time outside can be a great alternative for men to air their anxieties and feel
the benefit from sharing these thoughts.
Sharing experiences is key to coming together and forming communities or networks. The Move
With Us campaign, invites young people to become advocates and ambassadors that gives them the
opportunity to inspire other young people and use their passion to enhance the Move With Us
board. This board full of dedicated and enthusiastic young people who engage in a range of
movements. Giving others the confidence to try something new or join other young people at a club can make a massive difference.
A passion for movement brings us all together, whatever the activity is there is a shared love for feeling the benefits of moving our bodies and forgetting about the stresses of daily life. Find your active, join the movement and reap the rewards.
Visit: www.activeessex.org/find-your-active
https://www.activeessex.org/move-with-us/
Essex Cycle Grant
🚲 What Is It?
The Essex Cycle Grant helps local organisations encourage more people to cycle — whether they’re beginners or experienced riders.
💡 Key Features
- Funding available for new or expanded cycling activities.
- Focus on inclusive access, especially for:
- People with disabilities
- Long-term health conditions
- Ethnically diverse communities
- Those with poor mental health or low income
💰 Grant Details
- Covers 100% of project costs in the first year.
- Average award: £3,000
- Designed to support long-term sustainable projects.
🛠️ What Can Be Funded?
- Instructors
- Equipment
- Venue hire
- Marketing and promotion
📍 Priority Areas
Extra support for projects in: Basildon, Brentwood, Canvey Island, Chelmsford, Colchester, Rural Braintree, Tendring, and Harlow.
📅 How to Apply
- Applications reviewed monthly.
- No supporting documents needed upfront.
- Must have a safeguarding policy if working with vulnerable groups.
You can learn more or apply via the Active Essex Cycle Grant page.
Examples of past work: https://www.essexhighways.org/getting-around/routes-and-maps
New Campaign – Move For Your Mind
Encourages residents to rediscover the link between movement and mental health.
Promoted by Essex Public Health and Active Essex.
Builds on the success of the original Find Your Active initiative, which has already increased activity levels in Essex.
🛠️ Available Resources
Here’s what’s available to help you get involved:
🔍 Activity Finder
A tool to locate local physical activity sessions tailored to mental wellbeing.
Available on the Active Essex website.
👥 Youth Engagement: #MoveWithUs
A youth-led extension of the campaign focused on building positive attitudes toward physical activity.
Includes:
-
- Ambassador programme for young leaders.
- Leaders Academy offering training and volunteering opportunities.
- Monthly Move Maker awards recognizing inspiring young individuals.
Morning and Lunchtime 15 minute online Workouts
Start your day with a burst of energy
Join Active Essex’s free, live online sessions for a quick 15-20 minute workout each day, designed to boost your mood and keep you moving. You can download the schedule for July to September through the attached PDF and see what works for you, or add the sessions directly to your Outlook using this link.
Workplace Zoom Sessions:
Monday’s 8.50am-9.05am Lindsey – Move and Stretch Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 857 0196 5702
Passcode: 423831
NB no sessions running in August 2025
Tuesday’s 12:00 – 12:20pmwith Chloe Townsend – Lunchtime Energiser Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 814 4506 9587
Passcode:120360
Wednesday’s 08.50-9.05amam with Lindsey Abbott – Move and Stretch Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 892 1546 1662
Passcode: 217409
Thursday’s 08.45-9.055 am with Chloe Townsend – Total Tone Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 827 8479 3503
Passcode: 742214
NB no class on 25th September
Friday’s 08.50 – 09:05 am with Lindsey Abbott – Move and Stretch Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 895 3599 6545
Passcode: 369541
NB No classes in August
Workplace Pledge and Active Travel Toolkit
You can download social medial pledge cards, which can be used in emails, to help show what you and your workplace/team will pledge to do. You can also access the Newsletter and other useful resources For more details about the Pledge and to download your Active Travel Toolkit and Workplace guide
Find Your Active is focused on helping people find time to move, get more active and enjoy the benefits. This month it about bringing to focus the importance of workplaces encouraging physical activity.
Working in a busy office can often result in long hours spent at a desk but workplaces and their employees should adopt a new way of working in which physical activity opportunities are injected into every day. This could include creating a 50 minute meeting with a 10 minute stretch to finish which encourages a group movement stretch to relieve aching muscles and energise. Small changes such as this could initiate long-term benefits for both the employees and the workplace.
Not only are there physical benefits to promoting an active workplace but mental benefits also. Activities such as stretching, or yoga can increase serotonin levels and subsequently reduce stress and stabilise one’s mood. In a stressful working environment this could be vital.
Outside of the office, travelling to work is another opportunity to get active! If you can, why not try walking, scooting or cycling into the office to increase your activity levels whilst also doing your bit to reduce the greenhouse emissions and help improve air quality.
Introducing these small changes into your life could help in the long term and increase your energy levels day to day which will reflect in your working life.
To find out more, visit the webpage below, or get in touch to see how we can support.
www.activeessex.org/find-your-active
