South Holland picked for major Sport England project to tackle inactivity
Funding plan aims to break down barriers stopping residents from being active
South Holland has been chosen as one of 27 places in England to receive targeted support from Sport England, after new data highlighted rising inactivity and poor health outcomes in rural and deprived areas.
The district faces particular challenges: limited transport, sparse facilities, low wages and rural isolation - all making it harder for people to stay active.
Nationally, over one in three adults in deprived areas are inactive, contributing to poorer health and shorter lives.
Emma Tatlow, Chief Executive of Active Lincolnshire, said the programme is a chance to work directly with local communities:
“We want to understand how people in South Holland would like to be active - and the barriers stopping them now.”
She says those barriers range from lack of safe walking routes and accessible parks to financial pressures or simply not feeling confident enough to get started.
Active Lincolnshire is now in a development phase, with a community connector based in the district.
Residents will be asked what would help them move more, and their feedback will shape how much funding is requested and what it’s spent on.
Tatlow says the project won’t just focus on traditional sport:
“It might be bowls in a village hall, rounders on the green or safer spaces to walk - whatever local people say would make a difference.”
A proposal will go to Sport England once the community engagement work is complete.