Fresh £1m funding for Ipswich Place Partnership is approved

Ipswich Borough Council has welcomed a further investment of approximately £1 million from Sport England to help residents lead more active lifestyles.

The funding will support the Ipswich Place Partnership, which focuses on community-led approaches to increasing physical activity and reducing health inequalities across the town.

Councillor Stefan Long (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Councillor Stefan Long, portfolio holder for environment and sport, said: "This investment is fantastic news for Ipswich and a real recognition of the strength of partnership working across the town.

"We already have so much positive work happening within our communities, and this Place Partnership will help us build on those foundations - supporting local people, organisations and networks to grow what’s already working well, so that Ipswich continues to thrive as an active and connected town."

Ipswich was named one of Sport England's 53 Place Partnerships in 2025, with targeted work in Whitton, Gainsborough, Belstead Hills, and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Children playing disc golf (Image: Ipswich Borough Council)

The scheme brings together residents, community groups, and organisations to identify and address barriers to physical activity.

In the first year of the partnership, six Community Connectors engaged with more than 500 residents and groups to understand their experiences and needs.

These conversations led to a range of tailored projects, including women’s self-defence classes, pickleball sessions for Chantry Academy students, and football for children with special educational needs.

The partnership also supports organisations through training, networking, and shared learning to expand opportunities for participation.

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, executive director for partnerships and place at Sport England, said: "Ipswich has shown what can happen when you listen to communities and turn what you hear into action with them.

"This next £1 million of investment gives the partnership a real opportunity to reach even more people facing barriers to being active."

Tom Wright, Active Suffolk’s Development Officer for Place – Ipswich, said: "Working in Ipswich to understand what local residents need to be able to access and enjoy physical activity has been such an insightful experience so far."