Sport England grants up to £1.25m in funding to get Brent more active

Sport England and London Sport have invested up to £1.25million to the borough, to enable residents in St Raphael’s, Church End and Stonebridge build more activity into everyday life, as part of Sport England’s Place Partnership Programme.

The funding supports Brent Active Together, a local partnership focused on tackling barriers to being active in areas where health inequalities are prevalent.

Projects will be shaped with residents and community organisations, and could range from walking more, playing in the park and dancing at home to joining community run clubs or using local green spaces.

The work builds on neighbourhood-led pilots already underway, with local people involved in deciding what is designed, delivered and sustained over time.

Learning from the three areas will also inform Brent’s Active Wellbeing Strategy 2026–2031, which aims to reduce inequalities and support healthier habits across the borough. 

Rachel Crossley, Brent Council’s Corporate Director for Service Reform and Strategy, said: “This investment gives us a real opportunity to work even more closely alongside residents and community groups to make being active easier, more welcoming and part of everyday routines.

"The focus is on small, practical changes that can add up to bigger improvements in people's lives. It’s all about listening to what people in each neighbourhood say they need to stay fit and well.”

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Sport England’s Executive Director, Partnerships and Place, said: “We want everyone, no matter where they live or who they are, to have the chance to be active and healthy. To do this, we’re focusing on places, towns, cities, and communities, where people face the biggest challenges. We are committed to working with local partners and communities to break down the barriers to physical activity so that everyone has equal access to a more active life. We are excited to see what we can achieve together in Brent.”

Emily Robinson, London Sport CEO, said: “We are proud to be part of Brent Active Together given our mission and work across London to address physical inactivity and health inequalities. This partnership demonstrates the power of long-term, place-based investment that puts communities at the heart of decision-making so more people can enjoy the benefits of a more active life.”

Learn more about Brent Active Together