Inspirational women and connections to health systems highlighted in GM Walking and Wheeling Fund report
09/07/2025
Aisha, a 39-year-old single mother from Nigeria, was battling low self-esteem and isolation when she joined the walking group organised by The Inspirational Women.
Having left an abusive relationship she was understandably hesitant, but the consistent routine and the warm, welcoming environment helped her reconnect with herself.
“The walking sessions gave me a reason to get out of bed,” she explained.
“It became my weekly therapy: talking to other women who had been through similar things made me feel seen and heard.”
Aisha is one of more than 1,700 people who are walking and wheeling more often thanks to groups supported by the GM Walking and Wheeling Fund from GM Moving.
The grants programme offers up to £5,000 to voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to deliver projects that get more people walking and wheeling.
Supported by the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership, it improves the health and wellbeing of Greater Manchester communities through increased physical activity.
Aisha joined Inspirational Women, one of 33 organisations which received part of the nearly £85,000 invested by GM Moving through the fund in the 2024/25.
Inspirational Women
More than half (65%) of participants increased the number of times they walk each week according to the impact report for the latest round of funding which is published today.
The report outlines the benefits for participants of moving more, including better physical health, reduced isolation, strengthened social connections, and improved mood.
The funding also supported groups to raise awareness of their activities locally, serve more people in their area, and recruit new volunteers and walk leaders.
Salford CVS and 10GM, who distributed the funding on behalf of GM Moving, also use the report to share what they’ve learned to support wider system partners in the future.
“It’s great to see and share the incredible impact that the GM Walking and Wheeling Fund has had on individuals, organisations and communities this year. “A huge thank you must go to Salford CVS and 10GM for their work distributing the grants and the GM Integrated Care Partnership for continuing to fund this vital work. “I hope this report goes some way to demonstrate the significant and wide-range of benefits that walking, supported by the fund, has throughout the city region.”
GM Moving’s Community Walking Lead, Carole Pollard