Together Fund
The Together Fund was a continuation of the Tackling Inequalities funding, distributed by Sport England through the Active Partnerships, to help and support organisations and groups working with people disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and therefore significantly less likely to engage in regular physical activity.
Of the groups supported by Active Humber through Together Fund, 55% of those receiving funding are working with people with a disability or long term health condition. Active Humber is committed to increasing opportunities for those people in our communities who are traditionally less active as a result of factors beyond their control. In 2024 Active Humber will continue to support, engage with and champion under-represented groups and ensure everyone across the Humber region has the opportunity to be active however they choose.
Below are some examples of groups we have supported in 2023:
Ryehill Table Tennis Club
We supported a new table tennis club at at Ryehill Village Hall for people with long term health conditions.
Here's what the organisers had to say about the sessions:
"We have had people with Parkinson’s, Arthritis, Polymyalgia and Dementia and everyone who has been has said that they feel better when they leave.
"The most noticeable improvement has been with the Parkinson’s players who all have better movement and coordination after a couple of sessions.
"One of our participants even competed at the Parkinsons World Table Tennis Championships in Crete"
Hull KR Foundation Physical Disability Rugby League Team
Active Humber supported Hull KR Foundation to launch their Physical Disability Rugby League team to make the Foundation one of the most inclusive sporting charities in the country. The team have held weekly training sessions and competed in their first national PDRL domestic season with 24 players taking part.
One participant Anna Smalley suffered a brain injury six years ago and was unable to play Rugby League as a result. She now trains regularly with the Hull KR PDRL team and has been joined by her daughter, Jade, who plays as a non-disabled player alongside her Mother.
Keep Moving
Keep Moving is an exercise programme that has been specifically designed for amputees and is based on pioneering research led by the University of Hull to improve mobility and reduce falls for people who have had a lower limb amputation. Active Humber supported Keep Moving with funding to cover costs of facility hire and instructor costs.
Here is some feedback from one of the Keep Moving participants:
“I have been enjoying [the Keep Moving] exercises for over two years, and for which I am extremely grateful. The exercises we have undertaken have been progressively more difficult as our fitness levels have increased and this has given us confidence to face everyday life. One of the valuable assets of the class is the people who attend. Encouraged by Tony [instructor]'s great sense of humour, we all have lots of fun and we are also able to exchange ideas on any disability problems we have. The individuals who make these classes possible have improved my life immeasurably.”
Community Ambassadors
Active Humber's Community Ambassador Programme uses volunteers from the Humber region to inspire people from different backgrounds to be more active. Ambassadors share the benefits of sports and physical activity as well as their own personal stories to motivate others in their community.
In the video below, Adam Loubani, who swam for Team GB in the Special Olympics World Games 2023 in Berlin, share with us why he has recently chosen because a community ambassador for Active Humber.
Relationship with Activity Alliance
Paul Downes, Strategic Partnership Advisor for the Activity Alliance covering the Yorkshire and Humber region, spoke to us about the relationship that has been built between Active Humber and the Activity Alliance.