Initial research and data analysis undertaken by Sport England has highlighted that Covid-19 is having a negative impact on our communities and widening the existing inequalities in physical activity participation levels across four priority groups:
- People from lower socio-economic groups
- People from ethnically diverse communities
- People with a disability
- People with long-term health conditions
MSP are working with Sport England on the Tackling Inequalities funding programme, which will support people in the four priority groups across Merseyside to be more active with the additional challenges faced due to Covid-19.
This funding will support organisations in the community for ‘here and now’, so that they have a future to plan for, and could support providing financial support to organisations that are experiencing financial hardship and/or providing opportunities for priority audiences to be active at this time by adapting offers or providing new offers.
Sport England are currently reviewing funding applications of up to £2,000 from charitable organisations and constituted sports clubs who feel that they would be able to help support people in at least one of the four priority groups listed above. MSP will review applications from partners working in all areas of Merseyside, including Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and on the Wirral.
Projects can help people of any age, and could for example include ideas that support:
- people who are isolating
- the use of digital technology
- older adults
- tackling loneliness
- family play
- stay at home activity
- managing your service’s/club’s ‘return to play’ procedures
For further information and to download the funding guidance document and application form please visit www.merseysidesport.com/tif.
Applications must be returned to by 12pm Monday 18th January 2021, however applications will be forwarded to Sport England on an ongoing basis between now and this date therefore we would encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
