Deprived areas get share of £250m sports funding

Sport England has warned of a "growing" inactivity crisis

Deprived areas in the South East will receive part of £250m in Sport England funding in a bid to get people moving, it has been announced.

Hastings, in East Sussex, and Swale and Medway, in Kent, are set to benefit from the money, which is part of a nationwide investment.

It comes as Sport England warns of an "entrenched and growing" inactivity crisis that is impacting entire communities, especially children.

More than one in three adults are inactive in England's most deprived areas compared with just one in five in the wealthiest, according to the public body.

Such inactivity is "fuelling long-term illness, poorer mental health and reduced life chances", it continued.

'Long-term' change

Active Kent and Medway said the money would be used "to tackle inactivity and inequalities by making sport, physical activity and movement accessible for everyone".

The Kent County Council-backed organisation said it would work with local partners and listen to local voices to help shape solutions.

Swale and Medway join Thanet and Gravesham, which were included in a previous phase of investment by Sport England.

Christine Gibbons, chairwoman of trustees at Active Sussex, called the money in Hastings a "chance to make long-term change".

"It's not just about organising activities - it's about making physical activity part of everyday life in Hastings so more people can benefit," she said.

• Hastings: What is life like in one of England's most deprived towns?

Active Sussex said the investment would support planning, community engagement and early test-and-learn activities over the coming months.

"Although some parts of the town face greater health inequalities, Hastings also has many strengths, including a strong sense of identity, active communities and local organisations that care about people's wellbeing," it said.

"This investment aims to build on those strengths."