Culture and Sport for Hard to Reach Groups

Richard Caborn MP, Minister for Sport congratulated Eastbourne Borough Council for its innovative work to improve services for culture and sport for hard to reach groups at the IDeA Beacon Learning Exchange for the theme on 13 July.

Mr Caborn said, "Culture and sport are a vital part of any community, helping to bring people together and lead happier and more fulfilled lives. With culture and sport at the heart of our communities we can build economically vibrant cities, towns and villages that people are proud to live in. 

"I welcome Eastbourne BC’s investment into culture and sport in their area and the work it has done to ensure this benefits everyone. By providing activities and projects that appeal to the more isolated groups in the community we are paving the way for greater social inclusion and harmony."

Eastbourne Borough Council was awarded a Beacon on 20 March for its exemplar work in the field of culture and sport for hard to reach groups.  Winning authorities are subject to a rigorous application process involving site visits and presentations in addition to a detailed application.  After winning a Beacon, Eastbourne Borough Council and the other winning authorities disseminate their best practice to other local authorities at a variety of learning events over a year through the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA). 

Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council Councillor Ian Lucas says, “It was fantastic news that we achieved 'Beacon' status for the first time ever in Eastbourne, as recognition of our work in bringing culture and sport to hard to reach groups.  The whole team deserve this honour, and we'll continue to contribute resources to this vital area, particularly at this exciting time as we build our Cultural Centre, and work towards building community in our town.”

The Beacon awards are annual awards to local authorities for excellent and innovative work in a variety of themes, which are selected by ministers annually.  The scheme is sponsored by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), formerly the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

For more information on the events and activities provided by Eastbourne Borough Council, please visit the council’s website www.eastbourne.gov.uk/museums.  Further information about the Beacon scheme and a schedule of Learning Exchange events are available on www.idea.gov.uk/beacons.