Kent County Council’s Everyday Active campaign connects residents with local sports and physical activity through a network of dedicated community volunteers.
Everyday Active Champions are now helping residents across Kent discover opportunities to become more physically active in their local communities. The initiative, run by Active Kent & Medway, aims to increase participation in sport and physical activity across the county and promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle for Kent’s 1.9 million residents.
The Champions network forms a key part of the Everyday Active campaign, which operates across 12 communities throughout Kent. These enthusiastic volunteers work to raise awareness of inclusive, local activities available in their areas and help residents find opportunities that fit around their everyday lives.
What Everyday Active Champions Do
Champions are tasked with keeping their community webpages up to date with local activity opportunities, distributing Everyday Active resources to local settings, and supporting residents to discover low-cost, accessible activities. The flexible role allows volunteers to contribute anything from a few hours to a full day per week, depending on their availability.
Julie Calder, an Everyday Active Champion for the Isle of Sheppey, described the role’s diversity: “It ranges from working with an individual, delivering a home exercise programme, to working with services like Parkinsons UK, or helping a local instructor set up a Walking Netball group.” She added that the role allows her to support her local community to help more people become more active.
How to Find Activities and Get Involved
The Everyday Active website provides a searchable resource where residents can find activities suited to their experience and confidence levels. A free activity tracker is also available to help people log their progress.
Active Kent & Medway is currently seeking new Champions in Maidstone, Sevenoaks and Dartford. Anyone enthusiastic about health and wellbeing and wanting to make a difference in their local community is encouraged to get involved. Those interested can contact the Everyday Active Officer, Yasmin Hosken, to express their interest and find out more about the volunteer opportunity.
The campaign emphasises making physical activity relatable and local, with Champions working directly within their communities to build connections with activity providers and residents. The approach combines online resources with personal support, helping to remove barriers that might prevent people from trying new activities.
Key Takeaways
- Everyday Active Champions operate across 12 Kent communities and actively seek volunteers in Maidstone, Sevenoaks and Dartford
- The campaign provides free and low-cost activities searchable by experience level and lifestyle fit
- Champions offer flexible volunteering roles ranging from a few hours to full days per week
- The initiative aims to increase physical activity participation across Kent’s 1.9 million residents
What This Means for Kent Residents
Residents looking to become more active have local support available through their community Champions, who understand the activities and opportunities in their area. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already active, the Everyday Active website and your local Champion can help you find activities that work for your lifestyle. If you’re interested in volunteering as a Champion, now is a good time to get involved as the network expands across the county.
