Sport England pilot becomes permanent care service in Essex

A Sport England Local Delivery Pilot, the Prevention and Enablement Model, designed and delivered by Sport for Confidence CIC with Active Essex, has become embedded in adult social care across Essex as Reconnect, an occupational therapy-led, physical activity-based prevention service entering its third delivery year in April 2026.

Independent evaluation by the University of Essex and State of Life evidenced that, over the two-year pilot, the Prevention and Enablement Model delivered up to £58.71 of social value for every £1 invested, alongside strong health and social outcomes, giving Essex County Council confidence to commission Reconnect as a long-term, fully embedded service within Essex County Council’s Public Health and Adult Social Care system.

The model uses person-centred physical activity as a therapeutic tool, delivered by occupational therapists working alongside the physical activity workforce in leisure settings. It supports adults with disabilities and long-term health conditions to improve independence, wellbeing, confidence and social connection, while reducing reliance on statutory services. Between April 2024 and January 2026, Reconnect received 1,348 new referrals.