As part of GM Moving in Action Week, the council, community partners and local organisations are showing how Stockport Moving Together is helping residents get active in ways that suit them – with impacts that are transforming lives.
Building a movement for everyone
Stockport Moving Together is about breaking down barriers and making movement an easy, natural part of daily life. Sometimes that means clear information and encouragement, and sometimes it means 'hand-holding' – literally walking alongside someone until they feel confident on their own. The impact is powerful:
- better physical and mental health
- stronger connections with neighbours and community
- a growing sense of confidence and belonging
Walking together
Walking is a great example of this mission in action. Thanks to the partnership between Life Leisure and Age UK Stockport, there are now walking opportunities for everyone – from gentle indoor confidence walks to longer weekend wellness adventures.
The Stockport Walking Forum has given the community a voice, shaping future walking opportunities and helping create the Stockport Walking Network Facebook group, where people can connect, share walks and even train as walk leaders.
For many residents, these walks have been life-changing:
“The best thing I could have done – I’m fitter, happier, and have made new friends.” – Lynn
“We benefit from the combination of exercise and socialising, making new friends on our Walk and Talk Wednesday.” – Sue and Ros
And this September, the walking community will come together for something special: the Age UK Stockport 40th Anniversary Walk Challenge, a celebration of community, wellbeing and 40 years of making a difference.
A partnership making an impact
Walking is just one strand of Stockport Moving Together. Across the borough, bold partnerships are:
- making swimming more inclusive for children and families with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) through tailored lessons, dedicated family swims and supported inflatable sessions, alongside training with Seashell Trust to build coaching skills
- bringing dance into community spaces through The Daily Dance – transforming markets and outdoor venues into dancefloors, building confidence, joy and connection for women and families of all ages
- supporting inclusion across the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, with Life Leisure, Seashell Trust and partners providing coaching and mentoring for staff to build skills, adapt activities and create inclusive opportunities for children with SEND
- offering one-to-one support through the Active Pathways referral scheme, which works with individuals to break down barriers to movement – from building confidence and attending sessions together, to finding the right local activity that fits their lifestyle
- working with GPs to support men aged 45 to 60, improving mental wellbeing and social connection through boxing with BOOST
Through these initiatives and many more, Stockport Moving Together is proving what’s possible when communities and partners work together: making movement an option for everyone and transforming lives across the borough.
Find out more about Stockport Moving Together.