Active Rewards
Community Engagement Co-ordinator
The Community Engagement Co-Ordinator (CEC) post was set up in 2022 to ensure there was a link between public health and leisure. This was achieved by offering the Witham community a safe and inclusive space at Witham Leisure Centre where people can build connections and improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
A key part of the CEC role is managing the Active Rewards Exercise Referral Scheme, which offers an opportunity for local residents to sign up for a Fusion Leisure Card. The card is then loaded with credits which can be exchanged for gym or swimming classes. The Active Reward Scheme is now available within the four Fusion sites across the Braintree District.
Active Essex and the Active Braintree Foundation have worked alongside Fusion CEC to develop and expand the scheme. This expansion has created a collaborative culture, allowing for greater impact on health, increasing pathways for services users.
There have been a significant number of referrals from frontline public health organisations such as Child and Family wellbeing service and this has increased collaboration with Social Prescribing teams. It has allowed for new families to join and be introduced to a positive health culture.
Local residents with long term health conditions have reported increased mobility, resilience, improved fitness and reduction in social isolation, reflecting the positive effect the scheme has had.
