Sport England Tackling Inequalities Fund

Wesport have received funding from Sport England to disseminate across the West of England during COVID-19. The Tackling Inequalities Fund (TIF) aims to support targeted groups in communities who have been most affected by the conditions that the lock-down has created which has seen their activity levels dramatically affected. 

Wesport have been supporting partners who can help reduce the negative impact of COVID-19 and the widening of the inequalities in sport and physical activity. 

Data from the Sport England commissioned physical activity attitudes and behaviours survey during COVID-19 is highlighting widening gaps in the activity levels across existing priority audiences. These groups are:

• People from Lower Socio Economic Groups
• People from Black, Asian, and other Minority Ethnicities 
• Disabled People
• People with Long Term Health Conditions

COVID-19 is likely to have a significant impact on their ability to be physically active which has the potential to further widen the gaps that already exist with these groups. They are likely to have higher mortality rates from COVID-19 which can create a culture of fear where people are choosing to stay indoors to keep safe. Additionally, we know there is a greater impact upon their financial status which is the single greatest determinant of activity levels.

1. Solicited bids from south Gloucestershire - the numbers of application at the expression of interest phase saw a small number of applications from this area.
2. Focus on support for Black, Asian, and other Minority Ethnic Communities 
3. Projects supporting focused work in Weston-Super-Mare as part of 'Active Weston' 
4. Reinvestment in partners from phase 1 of the Tackling Inequalities Fund 

Although we are now working with focused partners we are interested to hear if you have new project ideas to support your local community who have been adversely affected by Covid-19. 

Please contact Ruth using the details on the contact section of this page.