The Marches Family Network has been awarded £2394 of National Lottery funding from Sport England's Tackling Inequalities Fund which aims to tackle inequalities in activity levels through working with its partners to reach those most in need as a result of the impact of COVID-19.

The funding award will enable 3 new activities, to reengage disabled children and young people in physical activity opportunities such as Drift-triking, dance and movement. The funding will also be used to support children and young people's parents and carers mental and social wellbeing through physical activity provision.

Sport England's work and contribution to Tackling Inequalities focuses on reducing the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on activity levels in under-represented groups, ensuring gaps between those who are active and those who are not do not widen during this period.

With a strong understanding of the needs and issues in their areas, Sport England has initially channeled £3.3m through the 43 Active Partnerships across England to support community groups in their areas as a result of the impacts of COVID-19.

This funding and support will enable community groups working with target audiences – Lower Socio-Economic Groups, Black, Asian Minority Ethnic Communities, Disabled People and People with Long-Term Health Conditions (LTC) – to continue to exist and engage with their communities with a view to keeping them active during both the lockdown and early recovery stages.

Stephen Brewster, Chief Executive Officer at Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said:

"We are delighted to distribute National Lottery funding to Marches Family Network. It is vital that we work with local partners and organisations to support our communities to stay active during these challenging times. The tackling inequalities funding will make a huge impact across Herefordshire and Worcestershire to those most affected by COVID-19."

Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England's Chief Executive, said:

"We are proud to be able to provide funding and support to the Marches Family Network in this difficult period. This funding will help support our valuable community infrastructure that is so important in keeping the nation active and will also provide important connections and reconnections for people whose lives have been affected by COVID-19 and for whom remaining active is so important for their physical, mental and social wellbeing. We know from our research and data that there are existing inequalities between groups when it comes to activity levels and COVID-19 has re-inforced these.

"Thanks to the support of the National Lottery and its players, the Tackling Inequalities Fund will be both crucial and central to ensuring no-one is left behind when it comes to having the opportunity to be active during this period. This builds off the back of our £35m Community Emergency Fund that has already reached and supported over 7,500 community clubs and groups across England."