Active Thames
Partnership programme
In place to support the development of water sports on the tidal Thames and inland waterways in London, Kent and Essex, Active Essex have been a key partner in a funding programme, led by the Port of London Authority.
Unlike the better-known green spaces, the 95 miles of ‘blue’ spaces offered by the tidal Thames can be a fantastic place for sport and relaxation, benefitting people’s physical and mental wellbeing.
Active Essex, alongside a consortium of partners including The London Port Authority, British Canoeing, British Rowing, RYA, Canal and River Trust and Thames Path National Trail, Active Kent & Medway, and London Sport have helped to support a number of fantastic organisations over the past 3 years.
The Active Thames project helps communities make the most of the blue spaces, opening the river to a more diverse range of river users. Most of the funding has been directed towards projects engaging people who are less likely to be active, including people living with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
In 2022/23 Active Thames have provided funding for groups such as Sea-Change Sailing Trust, Seaquins Westcliff, Southend Association of Voluntary Services, Thurrock Yacht Club and Cake Club CIO.
These projects have provided opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to take part in sailing courses, established walking groups along the Thames path that challenge the stereotypes faced by the Orthodox Jewish community and provided upgrades to the fleet of safety boats to support more of the community to engage with sailing. The projects supported this year has seen an impact on local communities engaging with these new activities, increasing physical activity levels and positively impacting their mental health.
As Active Essex have been able to contribute towards the Active Thames pot this year, we have seen a return on investment of every £1 spent, we gained a further £2.60 of investment into Essex projects.Juliette Raison, Strategic Lead for Active Environments
Read an example of one of the funded projects
Active Southend-On-Thames
Dive deeper into some of the organisations who have received Active Thames funding.
