Building on the 2023 Guernsey Island Games aspiration to “inspire islanders to ignite active lifestyles” we are pleased to announce the launch of a Physical Activity Legacy Grant scheme. Small grants were made available to support local groups to develop, extend or expand a physical activity offer to help adults to be more active, more often. We were particularly interested in initiatives that would use the grant as seed funding for an activity or initiative that could be maintained in the long term. Applications were encouraged from groups helping less active adults to become more active to help them experience the benefits of being physically active, improve wellbeing, develop skills and build social connections. This project and funding are part of our work under the aims of the Active 8 Plan for Sport.
“The Island Games was a fantastic week and highlighted how sport and physical activity can boost not only people’s physical health but also their mental wellbeing and can provide a great opportunity for social interaction.
Our aim was to enable a physical activity legacy from the games by supporting groups offering new or expanding opportunities for islanders to be active.
We were particularly keen to support groups which research shows are typically less active, such as older adults, women, people with long term health conditions, and people from underprivileged backgrounds.
We received some really good applications and the judging panel which consisted of representatives from The Health Improvement Commission, Guernsey Sports Commission and Active 8 plan, are happy to be able to support these projects.”
A summary of the projects the grants are supporting is listed below: ·
Ocean Therapy – An establishing charity which aims to support people with mental health conditions or physical disabilities by giving them the opportunity to experience the benefits of ocean therapy including activities such as surfing, swimming, Stand Up Paddleboarding, and yoga. ·
Guernsey Netball Association’s Back to Netball Sessions – Giving those who haven’t played netball for a long time, or complete beginners, the opportunity to play netball in a fun and supportive environment. ·
Guernsey Basketball Association – An 8-week training course followed by a tournament for women looking to start playing basketball to teach them the fundamental skills and rules to enable them to start playing the sport. ·
Guernsey Employment Trust – Supporting GET clients with a membership to use facilities at Beau Sejour including the gym and swimming pool to help their physical and mental wellbeing. ·
Bright Tights – Supporting a gentle exercise class focusing on strength and balance for members of Bright Tights who have gynaecological cancers. ·
Wheels For You – A community cycling hub offering individuals the opportunity to use a variety of adapted tricycles to experience the benefits of being active outside. User groups include older adults, including those from residential homes, patients undergoing rehabilitation by therapy teams at the hospital and members of the community with physical or mental disabilities.
We are hoping that going forward further similar initiatives could benefit from the legacy grants. Keep an eye on our social media pages for details of further application opportunities.