Active Sussex

20/08/2026

Thank you to all our partners and the local Sussex MPs who supported Sport England in retaining its statutory consultee role for planning.

This decision means our playing fields are that bit more protected, making sure residents have access to move more in their local community.

Following the announcement this week, Chris Boardman, Chair of Sport England, said: “We welcome the Government’s decision to retain Sport England’s role as a statutory consultee on the most significant planning applications affecting playing fields and community sport.

“The places where we play, move and come together shape the health of our nation.

“At a time when inactivity contributes to one in six deaths, and more than 20% of children leave primary school obese, protecting opportunities to be active has never been more important.

“Once a playing field is lost, it is rarely replaced, which is why independent expert advice on the biggest planning decisions remains vital.

“We’ve always supported the Government’s ambition to deliver more homes and boost economic growth.

“These changes ensure our expertise is focused where it can make the greatest difference, for healthy communities today and for the generations that follow.”

You can read more here:

Following a government review by MHCLG, Sport England will retain its statutory consultee role on key planning applications

19/08/2026

There is still time to sign up for our free Creating Healthy Active Environments webinar.

Do not miss the webinar on Wednesday, September 2, 7-8 pm.

Sign up here: https://www.activesussex.org/events/creating-healthy-active-environments-webinar/

18/08/2026

It’s been a busy summer for our Sport Welfare Officers, who’ve been out across Sussex helping clubs feel more confident and connected around safeguarding.

Since they started in their role, they’ve supported more than 176 clubs, delivered 70+ visits, run training and learning events, and even teamed up with the LTA at the Eastbourne Tennis Championships to chat with parents, young people and club staff about keeping sport safe and welcoming for everyone.

Their work is making a real difference in creating positive experiences in sport.

Take a look at what they’ve been up to: activesussex.org/news-and-campaigns/latest-news/a-busy-summer-for-the-active-sussex-sport-welfare-officers/

17/08/2026

The latest This Girl Can webinar has revealed an exciting new campaign launching in September — Move for Ten!

The idea is simple: move for ten minutes, ten times a month. Small steps that can make a big difference to how women feel, move and connect.

We’d love everyone across Sussex to get involved. Could you offer a ten‑minute taster session? Share a short video to help women take that first step? Every little bit helps.

Watch the webinar to learn more, and remember to tag and so we can share your brilliant ideas.

Campaign assets will be available in the next couple of weeks.

Watch the latest webinars hosted by This Girl Can, including one launching the latest phase of the campaign, Belonging Starts with Inclusion, which aims to tackle inequalities and support organisations helping women to get active on their terms.

14/08/2026

Looking for funding to support your club, organisation or community project?
There is a wide range of opportunities currently available across Sussex, from local grants to national programmes, all designed to help you grow your impact, strengthen delivery and support more people to move more.

Our Active Sussex Funding page brings everything together in one place, including:

Local funding options for Hastings, Rother and across Sussex

National grants for sport, physical activity and community wellbeing

Support for facilities, equipment, inclusion projects and workforce development

Whether you’re a club, charity, school, community group or local partner, this page is your go‑to starting point.

Explore all current funding opportunities:
👉 https://www.activesussex.org/insight-and-funding/funding/

13/08/2026

Our 2025/26 Impact Report is now live.

It captures the collective effort across Sussex to break down barriers, reduce inequalities and help people of all ages move more in ways that work for them.

From community partnerships and workforce development to inclusive programmes, active schools and system‑wide collaboration, the report showcases the progress made across the county, and the people driving it.

This year’s publication sits alongside our new Children & Young People Summary Report, offering a focused snapshot of CYP work across Sussex.

📄 Explore the full Impact Report: https://buff.ly/GJvUhEX

📄 Read the CYP Summary Report: https://buff.ly/cV9LCla

12/08/2026

Today on International Youth Day, we’re celebrating the energy, creativity and leadership of young people across Sussex and the partners who help make their ideas happen.

We’ve just published our Children & Young People Summary Report 2025/26, highlighting how targeted programmes, youth leadership, inclusive school sport and place‑based coordination are helping more young people move in ways that work for them.

Young people shape our work — and today is the perfect moment to celebrate their voices, leadership and impact.

Read the CYP Summary Report: https://buff.ly/cV9LCla

11/08/2026

The search is on for 2026’s winners.

There are just two weeks until nominations close for this year's awards, with ten categories for coaches YOU know.

Don’t miss out on recognising the coaches making a real difference in your sport or physical activity.

Nominate now with https://www.ukcoaching.org/campaigns/our-awards/

10/08/2026

Do not miss buying your ticket for the Active Sussex Conference 2026.

The conference on Tuesday, September 29, will focus on the creation of healthier, more active communities through place, partnership and systems change.

Internationally recognised designer, placemaker and social entrepreneur Wayne Hemingway MBE is the keynote speaker, with Wayne discussing his latest project – the National Festival of Play, which HemingwayDesign has recently launched alongside Creative Crawley.

You will also hear from Defiant Sports Hub, and how co-design and community engagement have led to more inclusive spaces and opportunities; plus Karen Poole (Clinical Lead – Rehabilitation, NHS Sussex & Surrey) will discuss the process, innovation and impact of the East Sussex Re-Conditioning Programme.

Secure your ticket and join us at the University of Sussex, Falmer.
🔗 https://www.activesussex.org/events-and-networks/active-sussex-network-and-conference/active-sussex-conference-2026/

07/08/2026

Two fantastic opportunities are now open for charities working to improve people’s health and wellbeing.

🎉 GSK IMPACT Awards
Celebrating their 30th anniversary, these awards now offer £50,000 to winning charities, plus training, development, a promotional film and national recognition.
✔️ For charities with income between £150,000–£3 million
⏰ Apply by Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 5pm

💙 GSK Community Health programme
Supporting smaller charities tackling health inequalities, with £10,000 available plus training and development.
✔️ For charities with income between £20,000–£150,000
⏰ Apply by Monday, August 10, 2026 at 5pm

If your organisation is making a difference in your community, these programmes could offer valuable support, funding and visibility.

Find out more and access the application forms on the GSK website:

The GSK IMPACT Awards provide funding, training and development for charities doing excellent work to improve people’s health and wellbeing. Apply for you charity today.