Speaker’s Corner: Year of transformation lies ahead for our town

Get set, go Dacorum aims to help more local people get into sport and physical activity with the support of a £250k National Lottery grant from Sport England’s Community Sport Activation fund which we successfully applied for last year. 

This, together with the £45k we have committed to the project alongside £17k from Sportspace, shows our real commitment to helping the residents of Dacorum live healthier, happier lives.

Ours is amongst 88 projects which have received a share of £15 million of funding to support grassroots sport activity across the country.

It is giving us the chance to run subsidised and free activities and to engage with some of those who would not normally participate for whatever reason.

Working with more than 20 partners including the Volunteer Centre Dacorum, Dacorum Sports Network, Rush Judo, Arsenal Soccer Schools, local secondary schools and many more, we will deliver individual and family sports and activities at a reduced cost in local neighbourhoods.

Funding will be targeted across the borough, so where ever you live in Dacorum there will be an activity near you.  

Activities will take place over the next three years tailored to the local neighbourhood, based on consultation results. Sports clubs in the target areas will also see investment to help meet extra demand.

Activities range from boxing or football to dance fitness, handball and aqua aerobics with many more in between. Each project will be slightly different so there is something for everyone whether you’ve had a go at the sport or activity before or just want to have some active fun with your family. 

Family sessions will be open to any age but all other projects will have different age restrictions (generally open to anyone over the age of 16).

So for all current projects and up to date information please visit our temporary website until our new one is launched in February – www.getsetgodacorum.co.uk

You can also contact a member of the Community Partnerships team via email getsetgo@dacorum.gov.uk or by phoning 01442 228143.

We all know how important it is to look after our bodies and these fun, enjoyable projects are designed to give you an active time with like-minded people, which is affordable and accessible so why not grab a friend and Get Set, Go Dacorum!

We will not only be transforming ourselves this year but Hemel Hempstead Town Centre as well.

Many readers will have been following the progress of our ambitious plans for the regeneration of the Town Centre and I am delighted that as well as recommencing work in the Marlowes after the Christmas break the exciting restoration of the Jellicoe Water Gardens has now begun.

Over the next few months we will be starting on other projects which will all help to make 2015 the year that really sees the transformation of our town.