This report is the second year report of a three year evaluation of the Active Essex Foundation’s Sport and Youth Mental Health Project, which supports local organisations from the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector to deliver sessions that combine physical activity and non-clinical mental health support that respond to children and young people’s needs.
This report includes qualitative and quantitative data collected between January 2025 and January 2026 to capture the impact of the project on children and young people, their local communities, and the wider system of statutory and VCSE organisations in Essex.
The year two evaluation shows that the combination of physical activity and non-clinical mental health support for children and young people brings clear improvements in emotional wellbeing, behaviour, physical activity, and social connection among participants receiving support. Many children and young people described increased confidence, better emotional regulation, improved friendships, and feeling listened to and supported.
Beyond impacts on individuals, the evaluation highlights positive effects across families, schools, and communities.
The project also brings benefits to the partner local organisations directly supporting children and young people, who report strengthened skills, confidence, and organisational capacity, thanks to the support of AEF’s flexible funding approach.
System partners, including schools and local authorities consistently recognise AEF and their network as trusted and effective partners in community-led early mental health intervention and prevention efforts.
Stronger collaboration and integration across sectors, and scaling-up of this approach can potentially increase the beneficial impact on children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Images provided by Active Essex Foundation.
