A new Public Health fund has been created to help increase levels of physical activity across Walsall.
In partnership with Walsall Public Health and the Sport England funded Black Country Commonwealth Active Communities programme, the Tackling Inactivity Fund will give people and communities the opportunity to develop and deliver projects. The aim is to encourage physical activity and raise awareness of the long-term benefits of physical activity on wellbeing.
The new fund will be delivered through Crowdfund Walsall. This initiative gives people and organisations the opportunity to improve their local community, with access to funding via Spacehive’s digital crowdfunding platform.
Walsall Public Health has allocated a total of £60,000 to the two-year programme, with up to £3,500 available per idea to boost projects towards their funding target.
The fund will also harness the passion and legacy of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, inspiring and offering opportunities for the people of the Walsall to improve and sustain levels of physical activity.
Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing said:
“It is recommended for adults to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. Exercise can help reduce the risk of many conditions, including heart disease or stroke and improve mental health.
“Projects such as the Tackling Inactivity Fund will play a key role in supporting residents to increase levels of physical activity. With the Commonwealth Games just around the corner, this is a real opportunity for residents who are inactive to start moving a little bit more. Any physical activity is better than none. Start small and build up gradually.”
Councillor Garry Perry, Deputy Leader for Resilient Communities said:
“In just 12 months, Crowdfund Walsall has gone from strength to strength. Its part funded £60,000 worth of exciting projects that the local community have put forward which have made a significant impact across the borough.
“Local people understand the challenges in their local area but also have the solutions, and all made possible by harnessing the ‘will of the crowd’ and placing them firmly in the driving seat.”
Groups are invited to attend the free project creator workshops on the 13 and 19 July 2022 to find out more about the funding available and receive advice and support for potential projects. Further details including how to book a place can be found on the Crowdfund Walsall website.
