New community fund to boost health and wellbeing in Elmbridge

On 11 November, Elmbridge Borough Council, in partnership with Places Leisure, will launch the Elmbridge Community Wellbeing Grant (ECWG) to tackle health inequalities and enhance the quality of life for underrepresented and harder-to-reach groups in the borough. This fund aims to support initiatives focused on enhancing the mental and physical health of residents.

Funding details:

• Total fund: £20,000 - £10,000 provided by Places Leisure (who manage the Xcel Leisure Complex, Sports Hub, and Hurst Pool on behalf of the council) and £10,000 by Elmbridge Borough Council
• Maximum per project: £2,000

Who can apply:

• Not-for-profit organisations, sports clubs, schools, community and faith groups operating in Elmbridge, including registered charities and community interest companies

To meet the criteria for funding, eligible projects must:

• attract participants from Elmbridge areas where there is a higher level of physical inactivity and where residents find it difficult to access sport, exercise and mental health initiatives because of health condition or financial difficulties (i.e. primarily but not exclusively Walton South, Walton North, Cobham and Downside, and Lower Green)
• support at least 75% attendees from Elmbridge (depending on location if near borough boundaries)
• support the priority target groups identified by the Elmbridge Physical Activity Strategy 2021-2031: disabled people, those with long-term health conditions, women and girls, ethnic minority communities, and vulnerable young people.

Applications must:

• demonstrate collaboration with other community groups or organisations
• show evidence of other secured external funding (if already applied for)
• agree to work with Elmbridge Borough Council to engage target groups
• commit to providing feedback on scheme outcomes.

How much can be applied for? 

Applicants can apply up to a maximum of £2,000 per project.

Apply now:

Make you read the guidance notes before you apply:

Fill in your online application for the Elmbridge Community Forum Grant

Support and advice 

If required, we are happy to provide help throughout the application process. Please email sport@elmbridge.gov.uk for further information.

Application deadlines

The Elmbridge Community Wellbeing Grant is open from Monday 11th November to Monday 16 December. Applications must be completed and submitted by 5pm on Monday 16 December. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

All applications will be assessed on an individual basis. 

Councillor Simon Waugh, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Commercial Strategy, said: “The health and wellbeing of our residents are important to us. We are committed to addressing the inequalities that prevent some communities to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of an active life. We look forward to reviewing your projects and working together towards a healthier and thriving Elmbridge”. 

Stuart Urquhart, Contract Manager, Places Leisure, said, “We are delighted to offer this fund to organisations whose initiatives will play an important part in enhancing health and quality of life for everyone in the community. Our focus on creating active and healthy spaces aligns perfectly with the council’s mission to work towards vibrant, healthy, and active communities. We are thrilled to support this goal.” 

For further information, please get in touch with the sport and health development team.