AECC University College has been awarded £10,000 by Active Dorset Together Fund to provide exercise referrals and classes to the local community, aiming at low socio-economic groups, to improve participation in physical activity. The Together Fund, previously named Tackling Inequalities Fund (TIF), was set up in April 2020 as part of Sport England's support package to help the sport and physical activity sector through the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis.

The Together Fund was created to try and help reduce the negative impact on activity levels within under-represented lower socio-economic groups. This funding will enable AECC UC to continue to engage with these local communities, narrowing the gap for support needed in the area of physical activity.

Director of Clinical & Rehabilitation Services, Dr. Neil Langridge, said:

"I am very pleased to see the benefits of physical activity being used as an offer in the wider community, focussing on a safe, welcoming environment for all. It is one of our aims to support the health and wellbeing agenda. Preventative health care is something AECC UC is very keen on delivering as widely as possible."

This programme will be led by our Sports Rehabilitation Lead, Letitia Rutherford, who will be setting up 'all things' rehab within our new integrated rehabilitation centre, located on Parkwood Road at our Garnet Campus. Letitia will be taking 1:1 exercise referrals and leading on class development for all types of exercise needs for patients. Classes will also provide great opportunities for our AECC UC students to support.