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Active Practices

We want to support more GP surgeries across Greater Manchester to join our movement for moving more and sitting less.

The Active Practice Charter is a initiative from The Royal College of GPs (RCGP) and Sport England to inspire and celebrate GP practices that commit to increasing activity and reducing sedentary behaviour in staff and patients.

One in four people saying they would be more active if it was recommended by a GP or nurse and Greater Manchester Moving want to support more GP practices throughout the city region to join our movement and become an Active Practice.

Simple changes can make a big difference in improving the physical and mental wellbeing of patients and staff, at relatively low cost.

Sign-up to become an Active Practice

Head to the RCGP website nowOpens in new window

What does becoming an Active Practice involve?

To gain Active Practice status, surgeries will need to show they’ve taken a number of steps, including:

  • Increasing physical activity in patients and staff
  • Reducing sedentary behaviour in patients and staff
  • Partnering with a local physical activity provider to support the practice to get more people active.

There are already lots of General Practices throughout Greater Manchester who are Active Practice certified or working towards certification.

Case Story: Read about how an Active Practice in Ancoats is getting patients and staff moving for better wellbeing

Below are a few examples, from GM, of work being done to support an increase in physical activity (of staff and patients) or reduce sedentary behaviour – the key requirements of the Charter.

Langworthy Medical Practice

What does an Active Practice look like?

Langworthy Medical Practice
Trafford Health Services

Case study: Trafford Health Services Parkrun Takeover

Trafford Health Services
Active Practice ideas for:

Staff

  • Walking meetings
  • Standing desks
  • Staff step challenges
  • Bike racks and/or locks
  • Cycle to work schemes
  • Walk to collect patients from waiting room
  • Walking Wednesdays (optional lunchtime walks)
  • Health/movement as a regular meeting agenda item
  • Strength training seminar with Dr Ashley Gluchowski
  • Health and wellness weeks to try new activities
Active Practice ideas for:

Patients

  • Staff training session on physical activity to better support patients e.g. PACC
  • Monthly ‘Walk Talk Walks’ open to patients and staff
  • ‘Walk with a Doc’ walks open to patients and staff
  • Standing area in waiting room
  • Basic exercise equipment in waiting room
  • Signpost to local activities/events/groups e.g. parkrun/walking groups
  • Visible messages re moving for health on noticeboards and/or TV screens
  • Signpost to/encourage use of stairs rather than the lifts
  • Use own stories/personal experience to influence and inspire patients
  • Organise/promote sponsored walks to raise money for the community
Active Practice ideas for:

Working with local activity provider

  • Reduced rates at local gym or leisure centre
  • Sign up to be a parkrun Practice or link up with your local parkrun
  • Link up with local walking groups
  • Connect with your local Run Talk Run or Walk Talk Walk
  • Promote/connect with local sport clubs or groups
  • Link up with local physical activity provider – find yours here
Resources

RCGP Webinar

The webinar (below) was recorded on 14 May 2025 in partnership with Sport England for all healthcare professionals and practice staff interested in gaining Active Practice Charter status.

It supports viewers to gain an understanding of the new RCGP toolkit, including its resources on why physical activity is essential in primary care, and the steps involved in becoming an accredited Active Practice.

It also explores the core elements of the Active Practice Charter, focusing on practical tools, recommended training, and case studies demonstrating successful integration of physical activity initiatives in primary care.

Resources

Active Hospitals toolkit

Active Hospitals, provided by Moving Medicine, aims to change the physical activity culture within hospitals to encourage patients to move more. Their toolkit can help you to create your own Active Hospital.

Resources

Guidance and examples from across the network

Hints and Tips from RCGP

Hints and Tips from RCGP

Become a parkrun Practice

Become a parkrun Practice

Physical Activity Clinical Champions

Physical Activity Clinical Champions

Strength Training Essentials

Strength Training Essentials