ACTIVE BRAINTREE FOUNDATION – ANNUAL REPORT 2023/24 REGISTRATION NUMBER 1176734
Active Braintree Foundation (ABF) was formed in January 2018 and in 2024 produced a new Strategy for 2024/27. The new Vision, Aims and Key Priorities are detailed below:
Vision
Everyone in the Braintree District has the opportunity to engage in sport and/or physical activity in order to improve their health and wellbeing, compete and have fun.
Aims
To achieve our vision, the Active Braintree Foundation will:
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Work collaboratively with relevant local organisations to tackle inequalities and promote inclusion.
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Be a voice for the sector and advocate behaviour change amongst the community.
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Increase capacity by developing people and promote innovation to increase participation in sport and physical activity.
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Promote and support active environments by championing active travel and the creation of well-designed spaces for activity.
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Work with commissioners and grant funders to increase resources and develop capacity in the district.
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Allocate grant funding and support new opportunities that increase participation.
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Provide advocacy, advice and guidance to sports clubs, voluntary groups and residents.
Key Priorities
Whilst the foundation is open to all opportunities that supports our core vission, the following areas have been identified as key priorities for the foundation to achieve our aims:
Collaborative Partnerships -
ABF will work to establish and strengthen collaborative partnerships with local organisations. These partnerships will facilitate joint initiatives, building resources and coordinate efforts to transform and connect communities, particularly focusing on those who face barriers to access and are under-represented.
Advocacy and Behaviour Change –
Advocate and champion campaigns and innovative programs aimed at promoting behaviour change to increase participation in sport and physical activity. This includes initiatives to raise awareness, challenge stereotypes and encourage a culture of active living within the Braintree District.
Capacity Building -
Develop people, groups and organisations, enhancing the community's capacity for sustained engagement in physical activities. This involves investing in training programs, mentoring, and funding roles that facilitate physical activity that meets the evolving needs of the community.
Active Environments -
Work with partners to influence policy and implement active design principles creating places and spaces where activity can happen, including the development of parks, sports facilities and recreational areas. These initiatives will contribute to building active environments and promoting a healthy lifestyle among Braintree residents.
Trustees
ABF started the year with eight trustees, one short of the maximum allowed. During the year all the trustees remained in post. ABF however, will continue to seek and recruit a new trustee who has skills currently not represented on the Board.
Accounts
ABF accounts are for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.
ABF started the year with a healthy brought forward balance of £45,303 and received income of £16,759. Expenditure totalled £9,674 giving a carried forward balance of £52,388. This includes approximately £14,806 commitment to projects that have either not yet claimed or have been delayed.
ABF paid out grants during the year totalling £8,980, including Walking Cricket, The Big Walk, Active Rewards, Parkplay, Active Health Club and Fern House Garden Project. ABF combined with Braintree District Council (BDC), for the first time, to run the Braintree District Volunteer and Active Braintree Awards which were a great success. ABF also collaborated with Active Essex, Braintree’s Health and Well Being Board, Mid Essex Alliance, Community 360 and Fusion Lifestyle to ensure local clubs and organisations are kept informed of relevant information particularly around alternative funding and the promotion of physical activity, health and wellbeing.
ACTIVE BRAINTREE FOUNDATION ANNUAL RETURN 2022/23
| Income | Expenditure | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| B/F | 45,303.00 | Grants | 8,980.00 |
| Income | 16,759.00 | Insurance | 392.00 |
| Website | 126.00 | ||
| Admin/Misc. | 176.00 | ||
| Total | 62,062.00 | 9,674.00 | |
| Balance C/F | 52,388.00 |