Promoting Fitness, Wellbeing, and Inclusion in London’s Diverse Communities
June 2024 – May 2025
About the Project
TEF is implementing a sports for health project to promote fitness, wellbeing, and social inclusion in London’s diverse communities. The project is 1 year and started on 1st June 2024 to 31st May 2025 and is worth £9,052.
The projected titled BAME Sports 4 Health Project, funded by Sport England is a community-initiative by the Teso Education Fund (TEF) designed to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
The project is delivered across London boroughs including Newham, Greenwich, Twickenham, and Barnet, the program combines inclusive sports, cultural engagement, and community support to tackle inactivity and social isolation in underserved communities.
Project Goals
- Promote fitness and physical activity among BAME groups, low-income families, and older adults.
- Build confidence and resilience through enjoyable movement and peer support.
- Encourage healthy habits and long-term lifestyle changes.
- Foster social connection and break cycles of loneliness and isolation.
- Ensure inclusive participation, welcoming individuals with disabilities and diverse backgrounds.
Project Delivery
The delivery of the project is led a development worker who arranges and coordinates activities and fitness instructors. The development worker is supported by other volunteers of TEF. The project targets to reach 100 participants across 11 funded events which include:
- Football, basketball, walking clubs
- Dance, Zumba, table tennis, handball, and skipping
- Health awareness talks and warm-up sessions
- Inclusive activities for all ages and abilities
Locations & Events
Events successfully delivered at:
- Star Lane Park (Newham)
- Goosley Lane Park (Newham)
- Kidbrooke Community Hub (Greenwich)
- Feltham Leisure Centre (Twickenham)
- True Ambassadors Centre (Plaistow)
What Participants Say
“The activities helped me feel stronger and happier. I now walk daily and have made new friends.”
– Participant, Kidbrooke Hub
“It reminded me of home – we danced, played, laughed. I want this every month!”
– Community Member, Star Lane Park
All activities were user friendly for all age groups, and I loved dancing and Zumba especially, it did not feel like I was doing exercise. I will continue with dancing and Zumba at home using you tube videos from the information I have learnt.
- Participant from Goosely Park
Being an elderly person these activities encouraged me to get out of the house and connect and interact with other people.
- Feltham Leisure Centre (Twickenham)
These are very good activities to occupy young people and to get them off the streets. I hope this project is going to run for a long period to help with young people, especially in deprived boroughs like Newham.
-True Ambassadors Centre (Plaistow)
Community Impact
Cultural awareness: Reconnecting with culture and traditions through music, dance, Zumba, language, and food.
Health literacy: Increased water intake, healthy eating and better understanding of fitness
Youth engagement: Brought young people together, learnt about healthy eating and physical activities.
Disability-friendly: Activities tailored for accessibility and participation
Mental wellbeing: Combated loneliness and built a sense of belonging
Challenges Faced
- Limited access to the planned venues
- High cost of venue hire compared to the approved budget
- Rising costs of catering and equipment
- Lower turnout during winter due to health concerns
- Difficulties sourcing qualified trainers within the approved budget
- Difficulty sourcing volunteers within the approved expense budget
- Conflicting community activities affecting attendance
- Need for more structured sessions for mobility-restricted individuals
Next Steps
🔹 plans to expand the project across more London boroughs
🔹 new funding applications in progress for project continuation
Support Our Mission
The Teso Education Fund is committed to delivering life-changing, community-led health interventions. With your support, we can grow the BAME Sports 4 Health Project and help even more people live healthier, happier, and more connected lives.
Get Involved | Donate | Partner with Us
