Active Cornwall

Our vision is for a Cornwall where inequalities are no longer a barrier to an active life.

We champion the benefits of incorporating movement and physical activity into everyday life, focusing on those facing the most significant inequalities. Sharing our unique insights, knowledge and resources, we work collaboratively with others to influence policy and help integrate activity into education, healthcare and community life.

We are one of 43 independent Active Partnerships in England, collaborating with national partners and 'Uniting the Movement' for Sport England in Cornwall, tackling inactivity and reducing inequalities.

In partnership with the NHS, Cornwall Council and local delivery partners, we strategically commission and build quality-assured capacity in priority places for those who need our support the most. By connecting with communities, we tackle barriers that prevent people from leading more active lives, powering positive and sustainable change at scale, and influencing active environments.

Research shows that physical activity plays a crucial role in preventing illness and managing long term health conditions, and being active can reduce the risk of major illnesses and early death by 30%. However, 49% of children in Cornwall do not meet the recommended physical activity guidelines, especially those from less affluent families or with special educational needs and disabilities. Our ageing and minority populations are increasing, and economic disparities are growing, leading to more inequality and less activity.

With a focus on children, young people and older adults, we support those who need the most help to move more and live well for longer. Delivering national initiatives at a local level, we also deliver programmes where gaps in the market otherwise remain.

Underpinned by our beliefs of trust, equity, compassion, innovation and curiosity, our work across four strategic themes delivers long term systemic change and impact through:

• Advocating for change and working together for movement, championing and supporting wider communication and promotion of the benefits of activity and movement – our engagement in national campaigns such as ‘We Are Undefeatable’ and ‘This Girl Can’ complements local priorities including Cornwall being ‘a brilliant place to be a child and grow up’
• Learning through change and working locally, adopting a place-based approach informed by insight and learning to identify and overcome barriers to physical activity – our Live Longer Better programme enables healthy active aging and reduces dependency on others
• Being the change as a strong, trusted organisation, developing the skills and capacity to ensure we become a trusted partner and the recognised authority on activity and movement – we’re enhancing safeguarding and welfare for sports and activity clubs, helping our schools in opening sports facilities outside of the school day in areas where it is most needed and upskilling others, including through our Time2Lead and Bikeability programmes
• Building lasting change and tackling long term inequalities, working with system leaders and partners to understand and overcome systemic barriers to activity, building capacity and sustainability across providers and communities - the Holiday Activities and Food Programme known locally as the Time2Move Holiday Programme providing fun physical activity and healthy food to children aged between 5 and 16 years old in receipt of free school meals through the 3 main holiday periods and the Cornwall School Games deliver competitive school sport and activity for those young people who rarely get to represent their school