Community groups in Merton are being encouraged to work together to get more of the borough’s residents involved in sport.

A network has been set up to identify specific needs and allow people to draw on each other’s experience.

Opportunities to attract funding will be identified and assistance will be given to groups so they can put their ideas to Sport England for consideration.

So far, the new Community Sports and Physical Activity Network (CSPAN) has put forward four projects.

They include a programme to recruit and train volunteers, a project focusing on the benefits of sport to people’s mental health and plans to get more older people and girls and women back into sport.

Cabinet member for Community Services, Councillor Maurice Groves, says: “This is an exciting opportunity for residents to work together to create an active and healthy community. In the lead up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Merton Council is encouraging as many people as possible to get involved in sport and see the health and social benefits it brings.”

The network was set up during the recent Merton Sports Forum Open meeting, chaired by Councillor Brian Lewis-Lavender, the council’s Lead Member for Sport.

All interested groups are invited to attend the next forum meeting on 11 March 2008 at Merton Civic Centre.

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