Manchester City Council and Manchester Active have launched the Neighbourhood Moves campaign, a community-led initiative aimed at making physical activity more accessible for residents across the city, particularly in areas where support is needed most.
The campaign forms part of the city’s wider Making Manchester Fairer strategy — a five-year plan focused on reducing health inequalities by tackling key factors that affect wellbeing, including housing, employment, poverty and access to services.
Neighbourhood Moves encourages residents to rediscover local green spaces, walking routes, and community activity providers right on their doorstep. Through interactive maps, real stories, and small grants for local organisations, the campaign aims to empower communities to co-create solutions that reflect their unique needs and cultures.
“When it comes to health and wellbeing, we know that access is key. For many the idea of living a healthy life may seem out of reach due to cost or personal circumstances. This is why this initiative is so important to bring those barriers down and ensure that everyone in Manchester can live a happy and healthy life.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care
“We know that physical activity is one of the most powerful tools we have to improve health and wellbeing. But for too many people, it’s still not easily accessible. Neighbourhood Moves is about changing that – by making movement part of everyday life, in ways that feel natural and joyful for people of different ages and backgrounds” said Dr Cordelle Ofori, Director of Public Health, Manchester City Council.
“This campaign is an important step in our mission to make Manchester fairer, healthier and more connected for everyone.”
The first phase of the campaign rolled out in Cheetham Hill & Crumpsall, Gorton, Abbey Hey & Longsight, and Benchill, Sharston & Woodhouse Park.
Over 50 local providers, clubs, and community groups have already committed support to help their neighbourhood move, inviting all to get involved by sharing their activities, stories, and ideas. Additional providers are all welcome to take part and receive small grants to support community-led outreach, multilingual engagement, and events that promote movement and wellbeing.
In support of the launch, we visited 5 providers from the first phase locations, uncovering the amazing low cost community activities happening right on your doorstep. This included Healthy Me Healthy Communities CIC at Gorton Central to see how they are helping residents find calm and connection through Tai Chi, along with Debdale Outdoor Activity Club, where we met attendees of their Over 50s Active Ageing sessions.
Follow Manchester Active @MCRactive for key updates and highlights on the other 3 provider visits, and other accessible physical activity sessions.
To find the local places to be active, learn more about the initiative or get involved, visit Neighbourhood Moves and Making Manchester Fairer.
