Major £1.1 million funding boost to help change lives and create a more active Wales through new Gwalia Actif partnership
A pioneering new partnership is set to invest £1.1 million over the next two years to help change lives through sport and physical activity, creating new opportunities for communities across Wales to get active.
Gwalia Actif brings together Actif North Wales, Central South Active Partnership, the London Marathon Foundation and Run 4 Wales (R4W) Charitable Foundation in an innovative new approach to community investment. It aims to do things differently by bringing organisations and communities together to have the greatest possible impact by funding collaboratively.
By bringing together national and regional organisations, Gwalia Actif will support communities to identify and address the barriers that prevent children, young people and underserved communities from being active locally. Rather than taking a one size fits all approach, the partnership will invest in communities, not just projects, helping local people, volunteers and organisations develop solutions that reflect local needs and strengths. Particular emphasis will be placed on supporting those who face the greatest inequalities and barriers to participation.
Over the next two years, £600,000 from the London Marathon Foundation, together with £250,000 from Actif North Wales and £250,000 from Central South Active Partnership, will support projects delivered through the partnership. Actif North Wales and Central South Active Partnership funding is being provided in conjunction with Sport Wales and funding from the National Lottery.
This new approach by Gwalia Actif is closely aligned with the work of the Regional Sport and Physical Activity Partnerships established by Sport Wales, supporting partners to work alongside communities to understand local needs, strengthen local leadership and create sustainable opportunities to be active in the places where people live, work and spend their time. It also builds on the R4W Charitable Foundation’s existing commitment to using the power of running and athletics to create positive change in Wales.
Gwalia Actif hopes to show what can be achieved when organisations join forces. It wants to encourage communities to work collectively to make funding go further with the view of creating a lasting legacy to benefit those living in Wales for years to come.
Manon Rees-O’Brien, Regional Director of Actif North Wales, said: We’re proud to be part of a partnership that shares our belief that communities themselves are best placed to shape the solutions that matter to them.
“We know there is no single answer that works everywhere. This investment will support local people and partners to come together to understand what’s getting in the way of people being active, particularly in places facing the greatest challenges, and build on the strengths that already exist within their communities.
“By listening first and supporting local people to lead, we can help more people to be active in ways that work for them, while creating stronger, healthier and more connected communities.”
Gavin Hawkey, Manging Director of Central South Active Partnership, said: “We know that where a person lives and the environment around them has a huge impact on how likely they are to experience the benefits of regular movement. Every place is different, and the best solutions come from the people who know those places best – its people, assets and the conditions that influence everyday movement.
“Thanks to our partnership with London Marathon Foundation, Run 4 Wales Charitable Foundation, Actif North Wales and the support of Sport Wales and the National Lottery, this new placed-based investment will bring communities, organisations and local partners together to understand what matters most locally, build on existing strengths and test new ways of working that respond to local needs.”
Mike Diaper, Group Funding and Impact Director at the London Marathon Foundation, said: “We’re really excited to be part of Gwalia Actif, collaborating with Actif North Wales, the Central South Wales Partnership and the Run 4 Wales Charitable Foundation to deliver the greatest possible impact for communities across Wales.
“The London Marathon Foundation aims to inspire activity for everyone. By working in partnership, we can support people who face the greatest barriers to being active to move more often in ways that are enjoyable, accessible and right for them.”
Rob Cole, R4W Charitable Foundation Chair, said: “We’re incredibly proud that the Run 4 Wales Charitable Foundation has been able to bring together the London Marathon Foundation, Actif North Wales and Central South Active Partnership to create something genuinely different for Wales. The joint venture between the R4W Charitable Foundation and London Marathon Foundation has been the catalyst for this investment, and it’s fantastic to see that partnership now bringing together organisations from across the sporting landscape to collaborate and maximise the impact of this funding.
“We know that being active can transform lives. It can improve physical and mental wellbeing, build confidence, create friendships and give people a sense of belonging. But we also know that not everyone has the same opportunities to take part. Gwalia Actif gives communities the chance to tell us what they need and then work together to create those opportunities. By combining our resources, expertise and connections, we can reach more people and make a much bigger difference.”
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