As the UK Government issues an urgent call to action for people to lose weight and live healthier, the fight to tackle obesity is a bigger issue than ever before. With almost two-thirds of adults and one in five children classified as ‘obese’, the pressure is on grassroots groups to drive forward a health revolution in local communities, and Heart of England Community Foundation is looking to lend a hand.
To do this, the Foundation – the West Midlands’ leading grant-giving charity – is pledging grants of up to £1,000 to help get sports facilities, equipment, and clubs back on their feet post-pandemic.
What is more, with research showing that obesity rates are highest in the most disadvantaged areas, the Foundation is prioritising applications from those in deprived wards, as well as those focused on helping BAME communities, women and girls, and disabled people get active.
Tina Costello, Chief Executive at the Foundation, comments:
“It is no surprise that we’re seeing a rise in people being encouraged to get healthy in light of COVID-19, but there’s so much more to it than signing up for a gym membership. Across the spectrum, we see that there are huge inequalities in gaining access to health opportunities, which present a barrier to those from low-economic or disadvantaged backgrounds.
“We have been using the Birmingham Sports Fund to eradicate the blockers that people so often face when trying to get active, and we are delighted to have re-launched the fund in recent months following its brief suspension.”
The Foundation has already dedicated three years’ work to setting up the Birmingham Sports Fund, and it hopes that this renewed focus will help it to support projects in the city that encourage sports participation.
Some of the projects that have already benefitted from the Foundation’s funding are Ashanti Netball Club, Heath Ballerz Ladies, Moseley Road Baths CIO and Sporting Spirit CIC. All received a £1,000 grant in order to help them to continue carrying out the activity and offering local people enjoyment in sports.
Tina, continues:
“We want to continue to help communities where they need it the most. We look forward to supporting these all-important causes that offer people in the city a chance to exercise, enjoy sports and ensure that together, the city is able to live a healthier life.”
To apply to the Birmingham Sports Fund click here.