With many people across the region still facing barriers to being more active, Lauren Thomas has been appointed to help create stronger, healthier communities. She is taking up the role of head of strategic partnerships at Central South Active Partnership (CSAP), which covers Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Bridgend, and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Lauren explains: “Being more active can not only help improve our health and wellbeing, but it also has the power to bring together communities. At Central South Active Partnership, we really want to build relationships and collaborate with a diverse mix of partners that can help us engage with those who need sport and physical activity the most.”
Having grown up in southeast Wales, Lauren knows how difficult it can be for some communities to access clubs and activities. She said: “Growing up in the south Wales valleys shaped my understanding of what it means to live in an underserved community and the challenges that many face in taking part in sport. But I also understand the huge potential that physical activity can bring – its social impact spans health, wellbeing, the sense of belonging, and community regeneration.”
She steps into the role in June and will work with partners to remove barriers and involve a wider mix of organisations – ranging from the public sector to the third sector and commercial enterprises – in the mission. Not only does Thomas bring insight, but a solid track record too. She will leave her position as relationship manager at Sport Wales to take up the role. Before that, she was social impact manager with Team GB, where she led the development of Team GB’s first Social Impact Strategy and created its first ever charity partnerships.
Previously, she worked at StreetGames UK, working with National Governing Bodies to develop Poverty Plans. She also delivered the award-winning Us Girls initiative, improving physical and mental wellbeing for girls and young women in underserved communities.
Gavin Hawkey, managing director of CSAP, said: “We’re thrilled that Lauren’s joining us – she is ambitious for the region, creative, and committed to our mission. Her relationship management experience will be crucial in shaping our next steps. We believe that sport, physical activity, and movement can make a massive difference to people and communities, so we’re eager to meet with those that share the same ambition. We’re building on what works and exploring new approaches and ideas. Together with partners, we’ll look at how we can create the conditions for change so that movement becomes part of everyday life.”
CSAP is one of five regional sports partnerships set up by Sport Wales to address inequalities in sport and encourage more people to be physically active. Sport Wales’ research shows that many groups do not regularly take part in physical activity. This includes: more than 50% of all girls; more than 67% of all young people from the most under-served communities; around 67% of all young people who identify as from ethnically diverse backgrounds; more than 50% of young people with a disability; and 67% of adults.
Lauren joins the small team led by Gavin and supported by Business Support Officer April Napier. If you would like to get in touch and talk to the team about an idea or how you could get involved, please email admin@csap.wales.
