Welcome to Active Canvey On Thames
The Active Canvey On Thames project is a wellbeing program designed to help people connect with the natural coastal environment through accessible, inclusive, and engaging activities at Thorney Bay. By using the beach and sea as a setting encourages both physical activity and mental wellbeing, while creating opportunities for the community to come together in a safe and supportive space.
The program offers a variety of sessions suitable for different ages, abilities, and confidence levels. These include gentle and social activities such as guided walks and family yoga, as well as more active sessions like beach karate and open water swimming. There are also targeted sessions such as Leapsprogs for parents with young children and youth-focused beach sessions aimed at teenagers.
All activities are designed to promote confidence, enjoyment of the outdoors, and a positive connection with the sea. Safety and accessibility are a priority, with sessions like Safe Sea ensuring that participants are supported regardless of their experience in the water by keeping group sizes manageable and providing guidance.
The Active Canvey On Thames aims to make the coastline an inviting, healthy, and inclusive place for everyone to enjoy, whether they are looking to get active, spend time with family, or simply improve their wellbeing through nature.
Activities
Beach Explorers
A fun and interactive family beach session where participants can learn about sea life, explore the natural environment, and discover how to respect and safely enjoy the sea together. Through hands-on activities and exploration, families can develop a greater understanding of the local coastline and wildlife.
Date: Tuesday 28 July 2026
Booking: Please use the calendar below to book your place.
Contact: lisa@beachschoolexplorers.co.uk
Sea Wall Walks
A relaxed, guided coastal walk along Canvey’s seafront and sea wall, featuring themed scavenger hunts, creative activities, and opportunities to explore the island’s history and community spaces. Suitable for all ages and a great way to enjoy the outdoors while learning more about the local area.
Date: Tuesday 28 July 2026 – 2:00pm–4:00pm
Contact for bookings and information: alex@cyp-yellowdoor.org.uk
Youth at the Beach
A dynamic beach session for young people aged 11–16, offering activities such as beach volleyball, sports and creative workshops. The session promotes teamwork, wellbeing, social interaction and water safety in a fun, inclusive environment.
Age: 11–16 years
Contact for bookings and information: Leandra.Symes@essex.gov.uk
Safe Open Water Swimming
A small, supportive group session designed to build confidence in open water swimming. Group sizes are kept small to ensure safety and provide individual support where needed.
Sessions
Wednesday 15 July 2026
- 1:00pm – Sea Dip Intro (learn the basics and enjoy a supervised dip)
- 2:15pm – Open Water Swim Skills (improve technique and confidence)
Thursday 16 July 2026
- 2:00pm – Cold Water Confidence (essentials for year-round dipping)
- 3:15pm – Sea Dip Intro
Tuesday 11 August 2026
- 11:00am – Sea Dip Intro
- 12:15pm – Open Water Swim Skills
Wednesday 12 August 2026
- 12:00pm – Sea Dip Intro
- 1:15pm – Cold Water Confidence
Thursday 20 August 2026
- 5:15pm – Sea Dip Intro
- 6:30pm – Open Water Swim Skills
Booking: Please use the calendar below to book your place.
Family Yoga
A relaxing and inclusive yoga session on the beach for families with children aged 8 and over. These sessions encourage movement, wellbeing and quality family time in a beautiful seaside setting.
Dates:
- Wednesday 22 July 2026 – 9:30am–10:30am
- Wednesday 5 August 2026 – 9:30am–10:30am
- Wednesday 26 August 2026 – 9:30am–10:30am
Please bring: A yoga mat or towel and a bottle of water.
Booking: Please use the calendar below to book your place.
Leap Pathways
A large, welcoming session for parents with babies and young children, combining gentle exercise with social time. Following the session, families are encouraged to relax together on the beach or in the nearby park, helping to build connections within the local community.
Dates & Times
- Tuesday 4 August 2026 – 10:00am–12:00pm
- Tuesday 11 August 2026 – 10:00am–12:00pm
- Tuesday 18 August 2026 – 10:00am–12:00pm
- Tuesday 25 August 2026 – 10:00am–12:00pm
Contact for bookings and information:
vickyperrin@leappathways.org
Beach Karate
A fun and engaging martial arts session on the beach for all ages from 6 years old. Led by qualified instructors, the sessions focus on basic techniques, confidence building, discipline and fitness in a relaxed outdoor environment.
Age: 6+
Dates & Times
- Friday 24 July 2026 – 10:00am–11:00am
- Friday 31 July 2026 – 10:00am–11:00am
- Friday 7 August 2026 – 10:00am–11:00am
- Friday 14 August 2026 – 10:00am–11:00am
Contact for bookings and information:
phoenix.karate.lee@gmail.com
Pilates on the Beach
A beach-based Pilates class suitable for all fitness levels aged 11 and over. The sessions focus on improving strength, flexibility, balance and overall wellbeing while enjoying the fresh sea air.
Dates:
- Monday 20 July 2026 – 8:00am–9:00am
- Monday 3 August 2026 – 8:00am–9:00am
- Monday 17 August 2026 – 8:00am–9:00am
Age: 11+
Please bring: A mat or towel and water.
Booking: Please use the calendar below to book your place.
Seafront Walk
A friendly and inclusive weekly walk along Canvey’s seafront, open to all ages and abilities. It’s a great opportunity to stay active, enjoy the coastal environment and connect with others in the community.
When: Every Thursday – 10:00am
Contact for bookings and information:
Kelly.McKenzie@ceessex.org.uk
Sit & Move at the Café
A gentle and welcoming exercise session designed to help improve mobility, strength and confidence in a friendly and supportive environment. The sessions include light exercises suitable for a range of abilities, followed by an opportunity to socialise and enjoy a chat with others over a hot drink.
Dates:
- Monday 10 August 2026 – 8:00am–9:00am
- Friday 14 August 2026 – 8:00am–9:00am
- Monday 17 August 2026 – 8:00am–9:00am
- Monday 24 August 2026 – 8:00am–9:00am
Booking: Activity Search – Book | GladstoneGo
ATF Family Beach Days
A fun-filled family beach event offering a range of activities, games and opportunities to enjoy Canvey’s coastline together. The sessions are open to all ages and provide a fantastic way for families to stay active, meet others and make the most of the summer holidays.
Dates:
- 3 August 2026 – 10:00am–12:00pm
- 10 August 2026 – 10:00am–12:00pm
- 17 August 2026 – 10:00am–12:00pm
Age: Open to all ages
Booking: Via email – jrenshaw@atfcommunity.com
Active Canvey on Thames Launch Day
Join us for the official launch of Active Canvey on Thames, bringing together local organisations and activity providers to showcase the exciting range of opportunities available throughout the summer. Meet local partners, discover activities taking place across Canvey Island and find out how you can get involved in improving your health, wellbeing and connection with the local community.
Date: Friday 31 July 2026
Time: 10:00am–2:00pm
Cost: Free to attend
Age: Open to all ages
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