AHS Wellbeing has been awarded National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Tackling Inequalities Fund. This aims to tackle inequalities in activity levels, through working with its partners to reach those most in need, as a result of the impact of COVID-19.
The funding award will allow AHS Wellbeing to offer a 12 week programme of safe and effective online exercise to patients referred by the GP or a Health Professional.
Simon Adby, Managing Director of AHS Wellbeing said:
“AHS Wellbeing are delighted to have secured funding to run this virtual exercise referral programme. Covid-19 has resulted in a significant reduction in opportunities for anyone wishing to improve and sustain their health and wellbeing. By providing this programme for the next six months we will be able to offer support to those requiring it the most.”
Sport England’s work and contribution to Tackling Inequalities focuses on reducing the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on activity levels in under-represented groups, ensuring gaps between those who are active and those who are not widen during this period.
With a strong understanding of the needs and issues in their areas, Sport England has initially channeled £3.3m through the 43 Active Partnerships across England to support community groups in their areas as a result of the impacts of COVID-19.
This funding and support will enable community groups working with target audiences – Lower Socio-Economic Groups, Black, Asian Minority Ethnic Communities, Disabled People and People with Long-Term Health Conditions (LTC) – to continue to exist and engage with their communities with a view to keeping them active during both the lockdown and early recovery stages.
Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England’s Chief Executive, said:
“We are proud to be able to provide funding and support to AHS Wellbeing in this difficult period. This funding will help support our valuable community infrastructure that is so important in keeping the nation active and will also provide important connections and reconnections for people whose lives have been affected by COVID-19 and for whom remaining active is so important for their physical, mental and social wellbeing. We know from our research and data that there are existing inequalities between groups when it comes to activity levels and COVID-19 has re-inforced these.
“Thanks to the support of the National Lottery and its players, the Tackling Inequalities Fund will be both crucial and central to ensuring no-one is left behind when it comes to having the opportunity to be active during this period. This builds off the back of our £35m Community Emergency Fund that has already reached and supported over 7,500 community clubs and groups across England.”