MEMBERSHIP has soared for not-for-profit clubs and groups that successfully bid for a share of Colchester Council’s Get Active in Colchester grant last June.

Groups that won a share of the £10,000 grant have seen their memberships increase by 300 new participants.

The grant was given out to support new activity sessions encouraging Colchester residents of all ages to get more physically active.

The 17 successful organisations, who were invited to apply for up to £1,000, used their award to boost membership, pay for coaching courses, workshops, venue hire or equipment costs, and more.

Among them was Age UK Colchester which attracted ten new members and ran more social activity sessions to keep people moving.

Some of the other organisations to benefit include:

  • The Colchester Bulls basketball club, which used the funding to increase membership by 31 new players and offer additional training sessions
  • Colchester Canoe Club, which purchased a new open canoe and increased accessibility to the sport during winter months;
  • Hi-Tension Trampoline Club, which paid to train a junior coach to work with more advanced pupils, ran more sessions and increased participation by 25 new members
  • Newly-formed Essex Rockets Netball Club, which used the money to organise extra events, attract new members and join a competitive league
  • Colchester Korban Project, which used its funding to buy five new bikes and safety helmets for residents to travel to work placements, college and volunteering opportunities

Steve Lawton, Project Manager at Colchester Korban Project, said: “As a charity providing supported accommodation to homeless young people, we were aware that all of our residents had appointments, work places, college course and training opportunities, but often found it hard to afford any form of viable travel. Our aim was to give all the resident a fantastic opportunity to save time and make themselves more available for work and training opportunities, by opening up the option to use a bike as a mode of transport.

“One young person had not ridden a bike since she was 12-years-old, and that was a one-off. Nervously, she borrowed a bike to access her college course and a voluntary work placement. After a few laps of the garden and a few pep talks, she felt she could manage the cycle paths. It hasn’t been the easiest journey, but she has persisted and grown to enjoy using the bike, even preferring it to public transport.

“We are extremely grateful to have been able to set up this scheme and we hope that it will continue to be of benefit to residents over the coming months and years.”

Councillor Annie Feltham, Colchester Council's portfolio holder for Business, Leisure and Opportunities, said: “I'm absolutely delighted that we have been able to help such a diverse range of organisations provide more physical activities for people of all ages and abilities.

“Every one of the organisations that benefited from the funding has been able to help residents enjoy a much healthier and more fulfilling life.”