Back to Sport for Confidence Completes Rollout Across Essex

Reconnect blends the expertise of sports coaches and occupational therapists to provide support to adults living with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and long-term health conditions, as well as their carers. 

"We have been providing services to west Essex since September, but without a dedicated facility." says Rob Walker, Clinical Lead and Senior Occupational Therapist at Sport for Confidence. "By offering Reconnect a home at the Lord Butler Fitness and Leisure Centre, we're making therapeutic physical activity accessible to even more people, enabling them to enjoy the benefits of movement, connection and belonging. 

"Our model delivers way beyond physical activity, creating opportunities for skill-building and friendships that extend into participants' everyday lives. With Reconnect, we're continuing to break down barriers to participation in physical activity, levelling the playing field for those who need it most." 

The programme launched at the leisure centre in January, with weekly sessions offering a variety of activities all tailored to the needs of those participating. 

Korun Mehmet, Head of Coaching at Sport for Confidence, explains: "The programme framework is flexible and adaptable. As we welcome participants, we'll start to shape the activities and schedule to meet their preferences and needs, providing a tailored solution that benefits everyone." 

Managed by 1Life Management Solutions, part of the Parkwood Group, a lifestyle and management solutions company on a mission to enhance lives through health and wellbeing, physical activity, sport and learning, the Lord Butler Fitness and Leisure Centre, provides the perfect home for Reconnect in west Essex. 

Alan Carter, Centre Manager, says: "We are delighted to be able to welcome the Sport for Confidence team to our centre. At 1Life, we create opportunities for everyone to reap the many physical and mental benefits being activity has to offer. Reconnect is a tried and tested programme that has been delivering excellent health and wellbeing outcomes across other areas of the county so it's fantastic to now be able to now offer it to our community as well." 

Reconnect builds on the success of a two-year test-and-learn pilot conducted across Essex, which demonstrated the transformative impact of integrating physical activity into health and social care systems. Independent evaluation by the University of Essex confirmed the programme's potential, with findings confirming that embedding physical activity into health and social care could deliver £58.72 of social value for every £1 invested. 

Cllr Maggie Sutton, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Local Partnerships at Uttlesford District Council, said: "Leisure centres play a pivotal role in providing a wide range of facilities to the community, helping more people to improve their health and wellbeing by getting active. The Sport for Confidence Reconnect programme is a fantastic initiative that will bring many positive mental, health and social outcomes to those who may find it difficult to access mainstream physical activity - we are delighted to have such pioneering work happening the Lord Butler Fitness and Leisure Centre." 

Reconnect is a bold, evidence-based approach to tackling inequalities in health and sport through therapeutic physical activity. With its rollout across Essex now complete, Reconnect ensures every corner of the county has access to vital support and transformative impact. 

► Sport for Confidence Completes Rollout Across Essex

6 February 2025