Encouraging active lives, reducing health inequalities and supporting those who need our help the most are central to our new strategy entitled ‘We Move As One’.
As a collective of 12 leisure and community organisations across Greater Manchester, we are all part of the same movement – to inspire and encourage more people to become physically active and to improve the health and wellbeing of our communities across Greater Manchester.
Andy King, Chair of GM Active, says: “Our shared approach gives us real opportunity to bring about change. We are a unique combination of organisations and people – pioneers in the leisure sector. By collaborating, we have a greater ‘real life’ impact for the people of Greater Manchester.
“Working in response to the GM Moving in Action strategy, we have created a new ‘We Move As One’ strategy, which will underpin our current success with greater strategic direction and commercial sustainability.”
Andy adds: “A whole system approach working together across Greater Manchester had successfully reduced inactivity at two and a half times the national rate. We were proud of what the people of Manchester had achieved but then, devastatingly, the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
“The latest Active Lives data for adults, from May 2020 to May 2021, shows that the proportion of adults moving for at least 30 minutes a week in Greater Manchester has decreased by 2.4%. That means there are 48,300 more people across the region who are inactive compared to the previous 12 months.
“The pandemic has caused untold damage in Greater Manchester’s communities, exacerbating already-entrenched health inequalities. The importance of, and emphasis on, population-wide health and wellbeing has never been more pertinent, and our community-level leisure facilities, supporting those who need our help the most, are integral to the region’s recovery.
“COVID-19 has given us time to rethink the opportunities available to help our different communities live more active lives and to truly value the importance of mental health. Although the pandemic has knocked us, it’s our chance to work differently and come back even stronger.”
Chris Turner, our Head of Business Operations, says: “Our strategy offers clear direction and innovative, sustainable solutions to local, regional and national agendas. We can provide solutions, leadership and partnership for multiple programmes and stakeholders – for NHS funders, grant providers, larger organisations with funding for localised schemes, local authorities, GP practices and health leaders.
“We are actively seeking new partners, opportunities for collaboration and innovative ways of working. We can’t do this alone. If our plans, purpose and intent chime with you, please do connect with us and be part of our transformational movement.”
Our ambition to encourage active lives and to help reduce health inequalities across the Greater Manchester city-region are regularly documented on this website and you will find full details of the ‘We Move As One’ strategy here.
