GM Walking and Wheeling Fund: Empowering communities, one step at a time
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07/09/2023
Improvements in physical, mental, and social wellbeing, new friendships and peer support networks, reduced social isolation and loneliness. The list of benefits felt by recipients of the GM Walking and Wheeling Fund is extensive.
In 2022/23, the Greater Manchester Walking and Wheeling Fund distributed nearly £100,000 in small (up to £1,000) and medium (up to £5,000) grants to 39 different organisations with more than 1,500 people walking more as a result.
Organisations were able to test new ideas which led to better visibility within their communities and increased memberships. The projects have also facilitated volunteer and staff recruitment while providing valuable upskilling opportunities for their teams.
“It is a great help to me to get out and about. My mental health has been very low recently and my caring role is the main reason for this. The group makes me feel normal and allows me to get some fresh air, exercise, and chat to other carers.”
A beneficiary with Together Dementia Support
"The Breastfeeding Together walking group has given me not only the opportunity to get incredibly helpful breastfeeding advice, but also the confidence to get out and about with my baby, meet other parents and explore some of the beautiful local parks and nature reserves.”
A beneficiary with Breastfeeding Together said:
GM Walking worked alongside Salford CVS and 10GM to offer grants to local groups who could support people who are typically less active to embrace regular walking and wheeling activities.
Investment focused on specific groups, including individuals with disabilities, those managing long-term health conditions, individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and members of diverse ethnic communities.
This approach was guided by Sport England’s Active Lives data which helped identify those who would benefit most from the support.
In total, GM Walking and Wheeling Fund awarded 39 grants (29 small and 10 medium grants), representing a total investment of £94,356 in our shared vision for healthier, happier communities.
The success of the GMWWF has been a collaborative effort; working closely with the Together Fund and Place Partners, to secure alternative funding for an additional four projects, which we were unable to fund due to overwhelming demand.
"For the project beneficiaries, the outcomes have been inspiring. They've reported improvements in physical, mental, and social wellbeing, along with the forging of new friendships and peer support networks.
"Importantly, these projects have been instrumental in reducing social isolation and loneliness. Physically, the projects we've supported have not only extended the length and frequency of beneficiaries' walks but have also boosted their confidence in exploring new places on foot or via wheelchair."
GM Walking are designing the next round of the GMWWF alongside Salford CVS and Macc, on behalf of 10GM, and we expect it to open to applications before the end of the 2023.
