The Active Lincolnshire Skills Fund is having a real impact on individuals in East Lindsey or South Holland by equipping them with the necessary skills to promote and deliver physical activity within their communities.

The project, has offered a comprehensive range of qualifications and training programmes to professionals working in the sport and physical activity sector, as well as supporting volunteers and those taking their first step into careers in the sector. This has not only benefitted the individuals who've accessed the training, but also the communities they work in by supporting a greater range of physical activity opportunities for different groups of people, particularly those with more specialist needs.

Active Lincolnshire Skills Manager, Laura Spurr, commented:

We are incredibly pleased with the success of the Active Skills Fund project in reaching a truly diverse range of people and connecting them with an equally diverse array of qualifications. However, the true success of the project isn't just in the certificates earned, but in the newfound confidence and opportunities it has provided the skills fund learners to support their own communities to be more active.

Watch this short video from Skills Manager, Laura talking about the Impact of the Skills Fund on communities.

Every funding recipient is able to access a tailored learning journey through the Active Skills Hub learning portal. Active Lincolnshire has worked with a range of partners to offer diverse learning opportunities, these include: UK Coaching, The Fitness Group, Lincoln City Foundation, LIVES, CanRehab, Active Pregnancy Foundation and the FA.

Take a look below at some of our learners' stories.

Learner Stories

Hear inspiring stories from just a few of the individuals who have accessed learning through the Skills Fund.

Angel: Supporting Women Through Pregnancy and Beyond

As the owner of Old School Gym, in Mablethorpe, Angel is passionate about creating a welcoming environment where her clients feel supported. However, she recognised a growing need to expand her knowledge and offer tailored guidance to women during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

Supported by the Skills Fund, Angel enrolled in the CIMSPA Accredited Level 3 Pre & Post Natal Course through The Fitness Group. This qualification will enable her to better support women during all stages of their pregnancy journey.

“Having this qualification will give me the confidence to properly support women in my gym,” . “It’s empowering for both me and them because they know they’re in safe hands.

By gaining the specialist knowledge this course provides, Angel is enhancing the services her gym can offer, creating a safe and supportive environment for women during pregnancy and postnatal recovery.

Emma: Learning on her Terms

For Emma, a personal trainer at VFitness, balancing work with continued professional development was a challenge. Thanks for the Skills Fund, she was able to enroll on the Fitness Group’s CIMSPA Accredited Level 3 Pre & Post Natal Course. The flexible learning provided allowed her to develop her skills whilst continuing to provide her clients with high-quality coaching.

“The funding has enabled me to take the course and begin learning more about how the body changes during and after pregnancy. Without it, it wouldn’t have been an option for me at the minute.”

Laura: Gaining Life Saving Skills

For Laura, who works as a Receptionist at Station Leisure and Learning Centre (Magna Vitae), the opportunity to complete a Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work qualification was invaluable. While she knew first aid training was important, the financial cost had been a barrier. Thanks to the Skills Fund, Laura was able to take the course, provided by LIVES, without the added financial pressure.

Laura's position as a frontline staff member in a busy leisure centre, meant she was aware of the potential to be approached in the event of any incidents. Completing the course has boosted her confidence, giving her the skills to respond effectively in an emergency.

“Now, I already feel so much more confident. It’s reassuring to know that if a situation ever arises where these skills are needed, I’ll be ready.”

Videos provided courtesy of The Fitness Group

The Skills Fund

If you're based in East Lindsey or South Holland and are interested in accessing funding to support you in delivery of sport or physical activity, you can find out more about the Skills Fund, and express an interest in the next round of funding here:


The funding for the Active Lincolnshire Skills Fund Progromme has come from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), a government-backed investment programme, which aims to foster pride in communities, support high-quality skills development, promote employment and productivity, and improve life chances for all.