It’s been 6 months since the Active Essex Foundation secured a groundbreaking three-year partnership through the London Gateway Freeport Community Investment Fund (LFGCIF), helping expand its support for young people in Thurrock and Thames Estuary communities as part of the Sport and Life Skills prevention and intervention projects.
The LGFCIF was created by DP World through a joint contribution from the Thames Freeport occupants at London Gateway Logistics Park. As a result, the Active Essex Foundation were awarded £320,000 in funding over three years, aiming to support more than 20 organisations.
The funding was awarded with the aim of benefiting organisations working with young people aged 11-24 who are at risk of exploitation, youth criminality, or involvement in anti-social behaviour. Referrals for the projects will come via partner agencies such as schools, Youth Services, Family Solutions, Youth Justice teams and community policing.
Building on a successful 12-month pilot in 2024, which engaged 125 young people, and delivered over 900 hours of mentoring, the new phase which has now started, aims to reach more than 200 young people in its first year. The initiative uses sport and physical activity as a vehicle for change, offering training, volunteering and mentoring to help young people develop life skills, improve wellbeing and work towards future career aspirations.
10 locally trusted organisations have been funded through the project and provisions are now underway to help make a difference in Thurrock neighbourhoods. Below are some examples of projects that have been funded, and how they’re working to make a lasting different to the young people that attend.
Uturnship, Beats & Gloves – Weekly boxing, mentoring and music sessions
“This year-long programme fuses boxing and music to boost fitness, creativity, and confidence. Participants learn boxing basics, produce original tracks, and use their own music to train—culminating in a group mixtape. The project builds discipline, reduces anti-social behaviour, and opens pathways to future opportunities in sport and music.”
Arts OutBurst, Urban Motion – Offering a blend of arts, dance and mentoring
“Urban Motion is a bold, youth-led programme that blends urban artforms with mentoring to support 11–18-year-olds at risk of disengagement. Through parkour, graffiti, hip hop, and physical theatre, young people explore identity, build confidence, and develop leadership. With 44 weeks of consistent engagement, trauma-informed sessions, and peer mentoring, the project boosts wellbeing, reduces risk-taking, and strengthens pathways to positive futures.”
Open doors, Moving Forward – Offering mentoring and physical activities
“Mentoring: Move Forward offers vulnerable young people in Thurrock a powerful blend of physical activity and tailored support. By embedding gym sessions and community activity days into our mentoring model, we help reduce isolation, build confidence, and promote wellbeing. This SportPlus approach meets young people where they are—responding to trauma, mental health challenges, and risk of exploitation with safe, positive routines and pathways to progression.”
Open Doors
Whilst participation figures have not yet been received, the evidence in the case studies above suggest that this funding is proving to make a significant difference.
Suzanne Page, Project Manager for the Active Essex Foundation explained;
“This partnership is more than just about funding; it’s a lifeline for young people in Thurrock. By harnessing the power of sport blended with mentoring, volunteering and training and the opportunity to build and strengthen trusted community relationships, we’re creating safe spaces, building confidence, and opening doors to brighter futures for young people.”
“This partnership represents a significant step forward in our commitment to early intervention and youth development. By investing in locally trusted organisations and using sport as a catalyst for change, we’re equipping young people with the skills, support, and opportunities they need to thrive—both now and in the future.”
When young people feel seen, heard, and supported, they can achieve anything. Each project gives young people a safe space to grow and developed with trusted adults they can turn to for advice and guided support and have opportunities to become youth mentors, youth volunteers and/ or gain recognised awards and qualifications which will support their future careers.
Suzanne Page, AEF Sports and Youth Crime Prevention Manager and project lead.
Alan Shaoul, Chief Financial Officer – North Cluster, DP World, said:
“At DP World, we believe our investments should deliver lasting benefits for the communities around us. Through the London Gateway Freeport Community Investment Fund, we’re proud to support Active Essex Foundation’s vital work in helping young people in Thurrock build confidence, skills and positive futures. Initiatives like this show how community partnerships can make a real difference where it matters most, and we’re looking forward to seeing the further benefits this initiative will bring to Thurrock.”