Walking and wheeling can do much more than support physical health; when combined with inclusive, engaging activities, they can help people connect, build confidence and improve their overall wellbeing.
The GM Walking and Wheeling Grant is a significant programme supporting communities across Greater Manchester. Delivered through Salford CVS, in partnership with the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership, GM Moving, and 10GM, the grant has supported local VCSE organisations since 2022 to encourage people who are inactive or less active to walk or wheel more regularly. Looking back at its impact, the grant shows that walking and wheeling can generate benefits that go far beyond everyday physical activity.
The data shows the amount awarded over the past three funding years, the number of VCSE organisations supported, and the geographical distribution of funded activity across Greater Manchester.
Types of Walking and Wheeling Activities Supported
- Pregnant women
- Parents and carers of young children
- Disabled people
- Adult groups
- Women's groups
- Men's groups
- Young people
- People experiencing homelessness
- Young expectant parents
- People living with long-term health conditions
- Families
The impact of the GM Walking and Wheeling grant across Greater Manchester can be demonstrated through numerous case studies. A few examples are included below.
Walks delivered to homeless people by the Greater Together Manchester (2024-25 Funding round)
The Greater Together Manchester together with Booth Centre, Salford organised 12 cultural visits and walks for the people affected by homelessness. The program engaged low-income individuals with histories of homelessness who do not typically visit cultural spaces or walk for recreation. For most, this was their first time exploring these parks and venues. Participants actively engaged with their surroundings by taking photos, asking questions, and discussing art, history, and nature, even participating in a philosophy session at Bridgewater Gardens.
Ultimately, the attendees expressed immense enjoyment and found great personal benefit in the experience. They highlighted the positive impact of the refreshing change of scenery, the supportive company of others, and the restorative time spent in green spaces.
Inclusive Walking Project for adults with learning disabilities by Oldham Personal Advocacy Ltd (2023-24 Funding round)
OPAL facilitated eight inclusive walks across local heritage trails, parks, and canals. The project targeted individuals with limited opportunities to access green spaces or restricted mobility, drawing participants from local learning disability networks, carers' groups, and supported living.
Led by two walking champions, the sessions featured engaging, themed activities like "park bingo" and landmark spotting to foster social connection and environmental awareness. Participants actively documented their experiences through photography, sharing the highlights on social media. Each walk concluded with hot drinks at a local cafe to encourage socialization and reflection, and dedicated individuals who completed all eight sessions were ultimately rewarded with certificates and gift vouchers
The difference made in people affected by HIV by the George House (2025-26 funding round)
The walking group served as a highly effective pilot project for George House Trust, allowing the organization to test a new mobility initiative driven by community demand without straining staff capacity. By walking alongside a lead volunteer and peers, participants who typically rely on public transport gained the confidence to walk more, feeling deeply connected and less isolated. The experience proved therapeutic for attendees, who found that sharing stories made the walks incredibly rich and helped them easily achieve higher step counts. Building on this momentum, the organization aims to encourage long-term behavioural changes during the drier months, motivating people to choose walking or wheeling over short bus trips.
The "Journeys to George" programme significantly boosted participants' fitness, mental health, and social connections, while also upskilling its volunteers. Staff and volunteers noted how enthusiastic attendees were to escape the city centre, explore Manchester from a new perspective, and build meaningful relationships.
As demonstrated by the three VCSE organisations highlighted above, the grant has delivered clear and meaningful benefits for the communities they support. Across the funded projects, groups reported benefits below as per the WordArt. Many organisations are now keenly awaiting the next funding round, reflecting both the value of the programme and the continued demand for accessible walking and wheeling activities across Greater Manchester.
