Despite some fierce headwinds, Greater Manchester was reducing inactivity at nearly three times the national rate before the pandemic and recovered twice as quickly afterwards.

Today: Adult physical activity is at an all-time high and inactivity has reduced over the last five years. Children and young people’s activity levels are also at an all-time high, above the national average for the first time.

Some key inequality gaps are beginning to narrow although progress is not yet equal across all communities and places.

A major independent study by the Health Foundation found that in the years following devolution, life expectancy in Greater Manchester increased more than expected compared to similar areas.

They found the biggest gains in places with higher deprivation and poorer starting health and there were  improvements in wider public service outcomes, including employment, crime, school readiness, and hospital admissions.

We are also seeing change in the system itself.

We see stronger alignment between Greater Manchester and local strategies, greater prioritisation of active lives and prevention, increased co-investment, more community-led decision-making, improved environments, and growing trust across partnerships.

These are powerful indicators that prevention-focused, place-based approaches are not just the right thing to do but a highly effective use of public investment.