Active Essex Foundation secures long-term funding partnership to support South Essex youth
The Active Essex Foundation has secured a groundbreaking three-year partnership through the London Gateway Freeport Community Investment Fund (LGFCIF), expanding its support for young people in Thurrock and Thames Estuary communities through its Sport and Life Skills prevention and intervention projects.
The LGFCIF was created by DP World through a joint levy contribution with the Thames Freeport occupants at London Gateway Logistics Park. As a result, the Active Essex Foundation have been awarded £320,000 in funding over three years, which will support over 20 organisations.
This funding will benefit organisations working with young people aged 11-24 who are at risk of exploitation, youth criminality, or involvement in anti-social behaviour. Referrals will come via partner agencies such as schools, Youth Services, Family Solutions, Youth Justice teams and community policing.
Building on a successful 12-month pilot in 2024, which engaged 125 young people, and delivered over 900 hours of mentoring, the new phase aims to reach more than 200 young people in its first year. The initiative uses sport and physical activity as a vehicle for change, offering training, volunteering and mentoring to help young people develop life skills, improve wellbeing and work towards future career aspirations.
The programme is a collaborative effort involving youth service providers, local police teams, and DP World’s Community team. It focuses on structure networking, sharing best practices and long-term capacity building to ensure sustainable, high impact interventions across Thurrock and beyond.
Bob McLintock, Chair of Active Essex Foundation said: “This partnership-driven investment strengthens community engagement, shapes brighter futures, and reinforces the role of sport in crime prevention. We’ve made great headway in this space, and by highlighting the impact of this initiative, we’ve also secured £70,000 in match funding to support clubs and organisations through a phased funding approach until 2028.”
A young woman who participated in the programme last year, said: “I was bullied and didn’t want to leave the house. I’m now a regular member. This has really helped me, and I would never have been able to do this on my own.”
Applications for Year 1 funding are now open for projects in Thurrock. Local organisations can apply via the Active Essex Foundation website. Applications will be reviewed by representatives from the Foundation, Active Essex, Thurrock Community Safety Partnership, the LGFCIF, and young people themselves. In addition to funding for a 44-week programme, successful applicants will receive support to upskill staff and volunteers, attend networking events, and measure the impact of their work.
For more information on how to apply, click here.