Basildon Council’s Cabinet has approved the continuation of its partnership with Sport for Confidence CIC to further develop the Basildon Community Health Model. The decision recognises the strong progress made to date and endorses the council’s ongoing collaboration to improve equity and accessibility for residents in managing and maintaining their health and wellbeing.

The approval supports a proactive, person-centred approach to adult social care and strengthens the council’s readiness for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), positioning Basildon as a leader in early intervention, prevention and community-based health solutions.

The Basildon Community Health Model brings together occupational therapy, community-based physical activity and lived experience to improve health outcomes, reduce inequalities and support early intervention and prevention. The approach aligns with the NHS 10-Year Plan and demonstrates how councils can work across systems to deliver sustainable and inclusive services.

Sport for Confidence CIC is working in partnership with Basildon Council, Everyone Active and Active Essex to lead delivery of the model. Together, partners are ensuring residents receive the right support at the right time through a structured and accessible pathway.

By embedding occupational therapy expertise at the front door of the service and within community provision, the model reduces barriers to participation, prevents escalation of need and supports residents to build confidence, independence and long-term wellbeing. It also complements the council’s investment in inclusive and accessible environments across the borough’s leisure facilities and public spaces.

Lyndsey Barrett, Co-CEO and Lead Occupational Therapist at Sport for Confidence CIC, said: “We’re proud to continue working alongside Basildon Council, Everyone Active and key partners to develop a model that is truly built with people, powered by purpose and guided by occupational therapy. The Basildon Community Health Model shows what’s possible when lived experience, community-based physical activity and professional expertise come together to create accessible, preventative support.

“By embedding occupational therapy at the front door and within community settings, we are removing barriers before they become crises – supporting people to build confidence, independence and long-term wellbeing. This partnership demonstrates how councils and communities can work together to reduce inequalities, intervene earlier and deliver sustainable health solutions that genuinely improve people’s lives.”

The council will advocate for the Basildon Community Health Model in future discussions with neighbouring authorities as part of Local Government Reorganisation, positioning it as a scalable, preventative approach that delivers better outcomes for residents while making best use of public resources.

Cllr Melissa McGeorge, cabinet member for Ageing Population and Health, said: “We are proud to continue working alongside Sport for Confidence and our health and leisure partners to develop the Basildon Community Health Model, ensuring every resident has the opportunity to live an active, healthy and fulfilling life.

“By putting equity, accessibility and lived experience at the heart of this approach, we are helping people take greater control of their wellbeing while preventing health inequalities from widening.

“This work also strengthens our readiness for Local Government Reorganisation, demonstrating how councils can lead innovative, person-centred solutions that support independence, build resilient communities and deliver better outcomes as local services continue to evolve.”

James Dennis, general manager at Basildon Sporting Village, managed by Everyone Active, added: “Everyone Active is proud to have supported Sport for Confidence for over a decade, and we are delighted to continue that partnership through the development of the Basildon Community Health Model. We were particularly pleased to be the first leisure provider in the country to welcome an occupational therapist into our team, recognising the vital role occupational therapy plays in creating truly inclusive, preventative and person-centred services.

“This long-standing collaboration demonstrates how sustained investment and innovation within leisure services can reduce inequalities, support early intervention and help people build confidence, independence and lifelong wellbeing.”