Extra funding has been granted to continue a community project which provides sports and leisure activities for residents.

Epping Forest Inclusion Project has secured an 18-month cash boost from Action for Children-Essex Short Breaks.

The project has been running since 2012 and has worked with nearly 900 children and adults of all ages and abilities.

Cllr Nigel Bedford, Cabinet member for community and partnerships said: “We are grateful to Action for Children for this funding which allows us to carry on the vital work for many families across the district.”

Weekly activities on offer are trampolining, golf, horse riding, boxing, including days out, camping, forest fun and ‘own a pony’ mornings during the summer holidays.

Parent workshops and support is also provided to parents and carers with an opportunity to have a voice on what is provided for their children.

One mum said: “I have used the project for the past three years with my son. We have done term time activities and always make the most of the holiday activities.

“It’s a lifesaver for us. It gives us a fun, safe place to go where I can enjoy being with my child and watch him grow as a person.”

The project also works with primary schools offering Compass Club and Gym Trail sessions, a mix of classroom work and physical activity.

Sessions allow children to gain confidence and learn social and communication skills while having fun in a relaxed environment with one of our coaches.

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