Hundreds walking more as 38 projects receive Walking and Wheeling investment

By GM Walking | 29 July 2024 | TAGS: Walking, Health

“I could not believe what I did on that day, it was the best day. I made it all the way and felt so happy, we went on the swings and I laughed so much. I forgot about all my problems and felt free.” Mrs S, 59

Mrs S is a 59-year-old woman who has arthritis and type 2 diabetes. She was referred to Changing Life Directions by her doctor through social prescribing.  

The group is just one of 38 projects to receive funding from the GM Walking and Wheeling Fund, supported by Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership.  

They received a grant of £2,180 to deliver walks in their local area, which would help women build their confidence and support them to walk independently. 

Though initially reluctant, Mrs S spoke to other participants in the walking group at a coffee and chat session before agreeing to attend, she now walks four or five times a week.  

Her story is just one of many successes outlined in a new Impact Report, from GM Moving, which details the many outcomes of last year’s fund.  

The GM Walking and Wheeling Fund, managed by Salford CVS on behalf of 10GM, awards small grants (up to £2,000) and medium grants (up to £5,000). 

The grants are distributed to VCSE organisations working with communities to support them to increase the amount they walk or wheel.

The 2023/24 round of the fund invested £95,000 across nearly 40 projects for walking and wheeling groups, podcasts on local routes, Japanese forest bathing, and much more. 

Full details of the fund are available via the impact report which shows how money was targeted towards the audiences which, data suggests, are most likely to be inactive.  

At least 1440 project beneficiaries are now walking and wheeling more often. 

Participants reported improved fitness levels, increased confidence, and higher levels of wellbeing as well as reduced pain for those with health conditions, and lower levels of social isolation.  

Meanwhile funded groups have seen increased awareness of their other activities, higher volunteer and membership numbers, and improved staff mental wellbeing.

Community Walking Lead at GM Moving, Carole Pollard, said: 

“I’m so proud to see so many people across Greater Manchester walking and wheeling more often thanks to the GM Walking and Wheeling Fund.

“The dedicated groups we fund work so hard to support their communities and it’s great to celebrate them through this new Impact Report.

“Whilst walking and wheeling is a very accessible form of exercise, there are still barriers so it’s great to have funding like this to broaden the appeal of physical activity.”

GM Moving has re-appointed Salford CVS to support the delivery of the 2024/25 GM Walking and Wheeling Grants with more details on applying for the fund due soon. 

Downloads

• GM Walking and Wheeling Fund - Impact Report 23/24