At GM Moving, our shared purpose is to change lives through movement, physical activity and sport. Our mission is active lives for all.

To achieve this, we support the creation and maintenance of places and spaces where everyone feels welcome, safe, and able to participate.

We also work to listen, understand, and remove the barriers that prevent people from being active in our city region.

This is because research shows that those who are the least active see the biggest boost in physical and mental wellbeing through any increase their activity levels.

Organisations and community clubs, like Manchester Laces, are creating environments where trans and non-binary people can be active, build confidence, and connect with others.

Greater Manchester is also home to unaffiliated, mixed-gender, and informal sport spaces like the Inclusive Football Collective which prioritise a friendly atmosphere and community spirit in their 7- and 9-a-side football leagues.

We hope that by shining a light on what is working well, we can help it to spread and grow, especially when we understand the conditions needed to support that growth.

We know there’s more to do. Research from LGBT Foundation found that 73% of trans people avoid sport, movement, and exercise, due to the fear of discrimination.

Hayley Lever, CEO at GM Moving, said:

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of movement, physical activity and sport.

“Insight though tells us that trans and non-binary communities face significant barriers to being active, which can harm their health and wellbeing.

“GM Moving remains committed to listening to, and learning from, lived experience, and working with communities and partners to create inclusive opportunities so that everyone has the opportunity to lead a happier and healthier active life.”