Who we ARE?
Active Braintree Foundation (ABF) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and was established 2018. It was primarily set up to promote sport and physical activity for the benefit of health and well-being to engage and support communities across Braintree District.
PROJECTS.
Since our inception we have supported and funded various projects throughout Braintree, below are a few examples of a projects we have worked with:
Halstead Day Centre
We funded an instructor to run a chair based exercise programme for 4 days per week and catering for many different people each day. The sessions have proved immensely popular and participants have improved their hand eye co-ordination and mobility as well as offering social interaction in a fun environment.
Braintree Walking Netball
The Braintree Walking Netball club has been running for only a few years and has seen its membership go from 8 people to over 40. With this growing demand they required funding for new equipment and marking out a new court. This will allow the club to recruit even more members and provide the opportunity for anyone regardless of age, experience or fitness ability to play this popular sport.
Essex Pickleball Club
Pickleball is a growing sport and can be played by people of all ages. The Essex club were growing in numbers and required new equipment to cater for their new members and those they were about to recruit.
Club Forums
ABF have organised a number of Club Forums covering for example Funding, Safeguarding, Social Media etc. These have proved popular with local clubs and organisations, not only for the training but also for the opportunity to network with other similar groups.
Move It or Lose It
Move It or Lose It are community classes that offer strength and balance exercises along with opportunities to socialise. They are ideal for older people especially those who may be lonely, isolated or frail. The group classes offer a non-medicalised solution to benefit residents. These include better quality of life, improved strength and mobility, mental and emotional wellbeing and reduced levels of loneliness. Classes take place at:
- Great Yeldham Reading Rooms on Tuesdays at 11am
- Sible Hedingham Baptist Church on Tuesdays at 12.30pm
- Maldon United Reformed Church with the Maldon Pioneers on Thursdays at 10.30am. This is for adults with learning disabilities and has to be booked through the Pioneers but they have spaces.
- Hatfield Peverel Saint Andrews Church Hall on Thursdays at 1pm
- Great Yeldham Reading Rooms on Fridays at 11am. This is an Otago class it is for falls prevention and focuses on strength and balance.
Contact: georgina.burr@moveitorloseit.co.uk
Carers Connect
Carers Connect is a voluntary carer-led support group. Its primary aim is to support the health and wellbeing of unpaid carers in the Braintree District. Sessions include a gentle pilates and meditation class, time to relax and form friendships to reduce social isolation and share information/signposting and experiences. By providing an opportunity for carers to keep active and socialise their mental and emotional health is also improved.
Classes take place at:
St. Peter’s Church Hall, Braintree on the first Friday of the month
Bradwell Village Hall on the third Tuesday of the month
Contact: l-chao@live.com
About Us.
MISSION.
Our mission is that everyone in Braintree District has the opportunity to engage in sport and/or physical activity in order to improve their health, live life to its full potential, compete and have fun.
AIMS.
- Work collaboratively with relevant local organisations to: transform, connect, tackle inequalities and promote inclusion
- Be a voice to advocate behaviour change and promote innovation to increase participation in sport and physical activity
- Increase capacity by developing people and facilities
- Promote and support active environments by creating spaces for activity
The need for the foundation.
The ABF was set up to address a number of issues including:
- An ageing population with increasing levels of dementia and age related problems
- Increasing rates of over-weight and obese people of all ages
- Increasing number of high risk groups with preventable health conditions e.g. diabetes, CHD and hip fractures
- Increasing concerns over mental health
- The need to reduce inactivity
- Pockets of deprivation and children living in poverty
- The difference in life expectancy between the most and least affluent
- People from lower social-economic groups, those with disabilities or a life-limiting illness, the unemployed and women/girls being all less likely to lead active lives
OUTCOMES.
- Communities inspired to become more active to improve their health and well-being, therefore leading happier and more positive lives
- Raised aspirations, confidence, skills and knowledge to enable individuals to reach their full potential
- Improved physical, mental health and well-being
- Increased capacity
- Increased active environments
TRUSTEES.
Joby Humm
Trustee
David Wilson
Trustee
Francesco Ricci
Trustee
Hollie Wood
Trustee
Jake Turner
Trustee
John Wood
Chairman
Simon King
Trustee
Tristan Easey
Trustee
CONTACT Us.
We are always happy to hear from people who support our work or use our services, so don’t be shy.
Active Braintree Foundation is keen to work with partners across the district to support and develop projects and ideas which will use sport and physical activity to engage communities.
So if you are interested in working with us, have an idea that you need support in developing however big or small, or want to work with a wider network of grass roots organisations then please get in touch!