New funding from Tideway boosts Active Thames grants

Photo - Dartford and Cambria Sea Scout group in Kent, one of the groups which benefitted from the previous round of Active Thames funding.

The Port of London Authority (PLA)’s partnership programme, Active Thames, encourages more people to get active on or by the tidal Thames and inland waterways. Tideway’s new funding marks the year when the new infrastructure starts to clean up the river and is in addition to the £150,000 of Active Thames grants awarded to 23 projects across London, Kent and Essex in January this year.  

Active Thames covers a wide range of activities including sailing, paddle sports, rowing and walking, from West London to Southend-on-Sea. Most of the Active Thames funding is directed towards projects engaging people who are less likely to be active, including people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.

Photo - Sea-Change Sailing Trust, another beneficiary of the previous round of funding

Grant applications open 11 March

The application period for grants, which can range from £500 to £5,000, opens on 11 March 2024 and closes on 7 April 2024.

Commenting on Tideway’s support, PLA’s Sports Manager, Jenny Cooper-Low, said: “This boost in grant funding will allow clubs to reach out to new audiences with taster days, courses and family-friendly events. We hope that clubs take the opportunity to join in the push this summer to get more people out enjoying the best that a cleaner river has to offer.”

Tideway Tunnel for a cleaner Thames

Later this year, the Thames Tideway Tunnel will be activated for the first time, beginning its work of protecting the Thames from sewage pollution. Once fully operational next year, the super sewer will significantly reduce sewage discharges into the tidal River Thames for generations to come.

John Sage, Head of Corporate Responsibility for Tideway, said: “We are delighted to be able to help Active Thames get more people connected to the river in 2024, the year that we start to clean it up. The Thames is a fantastic yet underused asset. Through the community partnerships we have developed during the project, we have seen how connecting with the Thames has a positive effect on people's wellbeing. This funding will allow more people to experience that.”

Why not apply for a grant?

Previous applicants or beneficiaries of Active Thames grants are welcome to apply again. Find out more and apply

Read more about how the previous round of Active Thames funding benefitted our region's clubs and centres.