Ipswich Secures £1 Million Sport England Boost for Active Communities

A Million Pound Boost for Ipswich’s Active Communities

Ipswich is set to get a massive boost to its community health and wellbeing! We are absolutely thrilled to share that Ipswich Borough Council has secured a further £1 million in funding from Sport England. This fantastic investment will go directly towards helping residents across our town lead healthier, more active, and connected lives.

The funding allows the brilliant Ipswich Place Partnership to build on the incredible success of its first year. By continuing its community-led approach, the partnership is breaking down barriers to physical activity and tackling health inequalities in neighbourhoods across Ipswich.

Focusing on Our Neighbourhoods

Back in 2025, Ipswich was chosen as one of Sport England’s 53 Place Partnerships. A special focus was placed on communities in Whitton, Gainsborough, Belstead Hills, and the surrounding areas. Through collaboration with local organisations and residents, the project identifies what stops people from getting active and works together to find solutions.

During the first year alone, six dedicated Community Connectors went out into our town, engaging with over 500 residents and local groups. They listened to real people to understand the daily challenges and unique opportunities linked to where they live.

Real Activities for Real People

Thanks to the insights gathered from our community, a wonderful variety of activities were shaped entirely around the needs of local people. Some of the amazing initiatives have included:

• Empowering women’s self-defence sessions.
• Pickleball opportunities for students at Chantry Academy.
• Inclusive football sessions tailored for children with Special Educational Needs.
• Fun community events hosted at local sports venues, including spaces like the Whitton Sports & Community Centre and the Gainsborough Sports & Community Centre.

Alongside these fantastic projects, the partnership has been working hard behind the scenes to support our local community groups. By offering networking opportunities, shared learning, and training programmes, they are ensuring that services remain strong and accessible for everyone.

Creating Lasting Change Together

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Sport England’s Executive Director for Partnerships and Place, praised the town’s efforts:

“Ipswich has shown what can happen when you listen to communities and turn what you hear into action with them. This next £1 million of investment gives the partnership a real opportunity to reach even more people facing barriers to being active. By working with local people and partners, we can create lasting change and make it easier for more people across Ipswich to be active, connected, and healthy.”

Tom Wright, Active Suffolk’s Development Officer for Place in Ipswich, echoed this enthusiasm, highlighting how insightful the past year has been. He thanked the Community Connectors and locally trusted partners for engaging in much-needed conversations, ensuring that the town’s place-based approach to physical activity remains responsive and effective.

“We know that getting active is one of the best ways that anyone can improve their overall health,” Tom shared. “I’m excited to continue working with all of our partners across Ipswich to make sure we can bring this positive change to even more local communities in our town.”

Councillor Stefan Long, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sport, added that the investment is a real recognition of the strength of partnership working across the town.

“By working alongside our communities, we can create more opportunities for residents to be active in ways that feel accessible, welcoming, and meaningful to them, helping to improve wellbeing and reduce health inequalities across Ipswich.”

Here at Ipswich.love, we couldn’t agree more. We can’t wait to see how this incredible investment continues to transform our neighbourhoods. Let’s keep moving, keep connecting, and keep making Ipswich a thriving, active place to live!

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