Partners from across the borough came together at Radcliffe Football Club on 13 May for the Let’s Get Bury Moving Celebration, a key moment to reflect on progress, share learning and recognise the collective effort driving increased physical activity in Bury.
Lee Buggie, Stefan Taylor and partner organisations, showcased the strength of Bury’s place-based approach, highlighting how collaboration across systems continues to support residents to move more and live healthier lives.
Showcasing impact and partnership
The event brought together colleagues from across public health, local authority, VCSE, active transport, sport and community organisations to share:
- Real examples of partnership working that are making activity more accessible in communities
- The impact of embedding physical activity into wider services and neighbourhoods
- Learning from delivery on the ground, including what is working and where further focus is needed
- Reflections on tackling inequalities and reaching groups who are less likely to be active
Speakers provided powerful insights into how collective leadership and shared ambition are helping to shift behaviours and create opportunities for people to be active as part of everyday life.
A Local GP spoke about their experience in promoting physical activity and well being through the Active Practice Charter, Bury Council’s own Activation Officer spoke in depth of the amazing work creating sustainable infrastructure which promotes and enables behaviour change.
Early years and physical development was also a focus of the event and the outstanding work which has been undertaken by the Early Years team. Teach Active and the recent success in Bury schools was celebrated and this change in the way education is delivered.
Our very own Walking Football ambassador spoke with passion about how this activity had changed not only his life but the life of many other people in Bury.
A positive response from partners
The event was extremely well received, with strong feedback highlighting:
- The value of bringing partners together to celebrate success and align future priorities
- Recognition of the progress made through Let’s Get Bury Moving
- Appreciation of the open, collaborative approach and shared learning
- A renewed commitment from partners to continue working together
The celebration reinforced the importance of maintaining momentum and continuing to build a whole system approach to physical activity across Bury.
Evidence of progress – Active Lives data
This progress is reflected in the latest Sport England Active Lives data, which shows that Bury continues to perform strongly:
- Around 66.4% of adults in Bury are meeting recommended activity levels (150+ minutes per week)
- This is slightly above the national average, where approximately 63.7% of adults in England are active
- Over 73% of adults in Bury are doing at least some physical activity each week (30+ minutes)
These figures demonstrate that Bury is not only recovering well post-pandemic but is continuing to out-perform national averages, reflecting the impact of sustained partnership working.
At the same time, partners recognise that inequalities remain, with some communities still less likely to be active – reinforcing the need to maintain focus on targeted, inclusive approaches.
Looking ahead
The Let’s Get Bury Moving Celebration was not only a chance to reflect, but also to look ahead. The strong turnout and positive engagement underline a shared commitment to:
- Continue strengthening partnerships across sectors
- Build on what works to increase participation further
- Focus efforts on reducing inactivity and narrowing inequalities
- Embed physical activity into everyday life for all residents
Together, Bury is demonstrating how a co-ordinated, place-based approach can make a real difference – and the journey continues.
