The GM Walking and Wheeling Fund, supported by NHS GM, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of Greater Manchester communities by helping those who are less active or inactive to walk or wheel regularly.
The fund supports various projects and initiatives that promote walking and wheeling as part of an active lifestyle, particularly in areas of high inactivity rates and levels of deprivation.
In 2024/25, the fund supported Angels of Hope for Women, a Gorton-based group dedicated to empowering women facing domestic abuse, racial inequity, and social disadvantage.
The group received £7,000 from the GM Walking and Wheeling Fund to start a weekly walking group to help women improve their physical and mental wellbeing in a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment.
The investment supported volunteer training and expenses, project coordination and session delivery, and venue hire for the social element during the winter months.
Through regular meetups, encouragement, and mutual support, the women gradually built their stamina and confidence.
As the 30 participants became more confident and physically stronger, many wanted to challenge themselves further and gradually introduced short periods of jogging into their walks.
Over time, these intervals increased, and what began as a walking group naturally evolved to include an additional running group.
For many of the women, running was something they had never imagined themselves doing, but the supportive atmosphere helped them believe in their abilities and step outside their comfort zones.
Leah Chikamba-Mulando said:
“This project has shown what can happen when women are given the opportunity, encouragement, and support to invest in themselves. Many women joined simply wanting to get out of the house and improve their wellbeing. Today, they are completing 5K and 10K challenges, supporting one another, and embracing healthier lifestyles. The confidence and friendships built through this project are just as important as the miles walked and run.”
Some group members even went on to run the Media City 5K and the Manchester 10K, crossing the finish line feeling proud, empowered, and inspired by what they had accomplished.
What started as a simple initiative to encourage women to become more active has grown into a supportive community that is transforming lives, building confidence, and promoting healthier lifestyles.
The group’s experiences have been so positive, they continue to meet every Saturday, rain or shine, to walk and run even though the funded element of the project has ended.
They remain committed to supporting one another, continuing their walking and running journeys, and welcoming new women who would benefit from being part of this encouraging community.
GM Walking and Wheeling Grants returns soon
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