Investment from GM Walking and Wheeling Fund supports moving more this winter

By GM Moving | 12 December 2024 | TAGS: GM Walking, Walking Wheeling Cycling, GM Walking and Wheeling Fund

Greater Manchester communities are coming together through walking and wheeling this winter following an £85,000 investment by GM Moving via the GM Walking and Wheeling Fund.

The fund, supported by GM Integrated Care Partnership and distributed by GM Moving, Salford CVS and 10GM, will support 34 community groups and organisations in 2024/25.

Support has been targeted towards the groups least likely to be active, providing opportunities for the deaf community, young people, older adults, and ethnically diverse communities.

This includes eight medium grants (up to £5,000) supporting the likes of Hyde Young Peoples Enterprise to combat loneliness and isolation among young people, particularly those not in education, employment or training.

Flowhesion Foundation will use their investment to support South Asian women from Crompton and Halliwell in Bolton who attend their health hub or play and stay toddler group.

Meanwhile, 26 organisations will receive small grants (up to £2,000) with Syngesis CIC addressing health inequalities within Oldham’s Bangladeshi community in the most deprived wards.

Local Food First CIC will be working with Oldham Council and Hilltop GP surgery to provide winter walks, while ManLeigh CIC are starting a men’s weekly walking group for those who are visually impaired.

Emerald Lens will be supporting pregnant women in Trafford to be more active, while Jigsaw Bury’s Wednesday Winter Walking Club will provide opportunities for young disabled adults.

GM Moving’s Community Walking Lead, Carole Pollard, said:

“Walking provides lots of physical and mental health benefits but right now, walking and wheeling isn’t accessible to everyone in Greater Manchester.

“That’s why we’re delighted to work with these small charities and organisations to create the conditions for everyone in Greater Manchester to be a little bit more active.

“We know those who are least active have the most to gain by moving a little more which is why it’s so important to work with these organisations who know their communities inside out.

“The joy of group activity, social interactions, and the physical and mental benefits of moving are all the more important in winter so I look forward to seeing the groups get underway.”

For more information on the projects as they progress, keep an eye on the GM Walking website.

If your group is looking for support to keep members and communities active during the winter, RED January is a free community initiative to boost our mood this winter.