INSPIRING MANCHESTER TO GET ACTIVE

Inspiring Manchester to Get Active is a citywide programme of free and low-cost sport, leisure & movement opportunities to help residents be more active.

From gyms, swimming and fitness classes to walking, neighbourhood activities and community sport, Inspiring Manchester to Get Active makes it easier for everyone to move more, feel better and connect with their local community.

TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF THE OPPORTUNITIES BELOW

Manchester is proud to honour its His Majesty’s Armed Forces community. As part of our commitment under the Armed Forces Covenant – recognising the service, sacrifice and contribution of those who have served – Manchester City Council is introducing a brand new free membership for all Manchester HM Armed Forces veterans.

All eligible veterans living in Manchester can enjoy free access to 11 council operated leisure centres, including:

  • Gym access
  • Swim access
  • Group exercise and fitness classes
  • Health suite access

This initiative supports veterans’ health and wellbeing, helps reduce social isolation, and strengthens the bond between the city and its HM Armed Forces community, reflecting our shared commitment to ensure veterans face no disadvantage in accessing essential public services.

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Manchester City Council has launched an ambitious new programme that puts physical activity at the heart of the city’s drive to reduce health inequalities – opening up more opportunities for residents to get active, improve their wellbeing, and enjoy inclusive, community‑focused sport and movement, all while ensuring those facing the greatest barriers are supported through targeted interventions to help create a healthier, fairer, and more connected Manchester.

The programme includes the provision of a free junior membership for all Manchester residents at secondary school aged 11-16.

The new membership builds on the existing citywide Free Swim for 16 and Under offer and will be extended to include both free junior gym and free fitness classes.

This means that all Manchester resident secondary school children between the ages of 11 to 16 can now access a free funded membership at the following council operated leisure centres across the city.

We’re pleased to let you know that you can now attend any of your local leisure centres to set up your child’s free membership.

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During any school holidays, Manchester 16 or under’s can swim for free during designated public ‘Swim for All’ sessions and at weekends during term time, and Manchester 60 or over’s can continue to swim for free during any designated public general swim session, anytime.

Free Swimming sessions can be enjoyed at various Manchester Active swimming pools across Manchester. Subject to availability. Participating pools include;

– Abraham Moss Library & Leisure Centre 
– Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre
– East Manchester Leisure Centre
– Hough End Leisure Centre
– North City Family & Fitness Centre
– Manchester Aquatics Centre
– Moss Side Leisure Centre & Hulme High Street Library
– Wythenshawe Forum

The Disability Inclusion offer is a free 12-week programme for disabled Manchester adults.

The programme includes group fitness sessions, gym support, social sports, and swimming, with groups of up to 12 participants at participating leisure centres across the city. After the 12-week programme, suitable options to continue your physical activity journey, such as an Inclusive Membership or pay-as-you-go option, will be discussed with each individual referral.

To find out more details, please send an email to mcrwellbeing@gll.org

OFFER LAUNCHES 1 AUGUST

The Our Children Free Time Pass gives eligible children and young people in care, care leavers, and carers free access to participating leisure centres across Manchester.

Members can enjoy a range of activities, including:

  • Swimming
  • Gym access (age appropriate)
  • Racquet sports, including badminton and squash (where available)

The scheme is designed to help young people and families stay active, improve wellbeing, and enjoy leisure opportunities in a safe and welcoming environment.

Access is available through referrals from approved professionals, including social workers and other authorised health and care professionals, to ensure eligibility and safeguarding requirements are met.

If you believe you are eligible or would like to find out more, please contact us at ourchildren@mcractive.com

The (Physical Activity Referral Service) PARS and Healthwise offer is a specialist physical activity referral programme for individuals referred by a GP, healthcare professional, or other approved practitioner who would benefit from additional support to improve their health and wellbeing through physical activity.

Designed for people living with long-term health conditions, those recovering from illness or injury, and individuals at risk of developing health complications, the programme provides personalised assessments and tailored activity plans based on individual needs, abilities, and goals.

Participants can access a range of specialist interventions, including cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation sessions, falls prevention programmes, musculoskeletal (MSK) specific classes, Wellness Walks, gym inductions with personalised exercise programmes, and Aqua for Health sessions.

Delivered by qualified and experienced staff, the service provides a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment that helps individuals increase their physical activity levels, improve physical and mental wellbeing, build confidence, better manage their health conditions, and develop sustainable lifestyle habits that support long-term health, independence, and quality of life. 

CLICK HERE TO REFER

Sport Clubs and Community Organisations based in the City of Manchester can apply for grants from £250-£3000. The fund is designed to support Manchester residents to move more, with our priority themes being:

  • Low or no-cost activities
  • Women’s and girls’ participation
  • Activities for 0–5-year-olds
  • Walk, Run, Cycle initiatives
  • Retention and growth of participation

Grants are supported by the Manchester City Council and the Manchester Marathon Community Fund.

The Manchester Marathon Community Fund is committed to supporting communities along the marathon route and beyond. £1 from every paid entry into the Manchester Marathon and the Manchester Half goes to support local initiatives that inspire movement, improve wellbeing, and build a long-lasting legacy of sport in the City of Manchester and Trafford. Learn more about the Manchester Marathon Community Fund here

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Active Aqua is an affordable community swimming programme designed to make physical activity accessible to everyone, with sessions costing just £1.50.

The programme offers a diverse range of activities tailored to different ages, abilities and interests, including Funquatics, Aqua Discovery, Aqua Aerobics, Dementia Friendly Swims, Women-Only Swims, and Mother & Daughter Swims.

With a focus on inclusion, health and wellbeing, Active Aqua provides opportunities for individuals and families to enjoy swimming and water-based activities in a welcoming and supportive environment. A wide range of additional sessions is also available, ensuring there is something for every member of the community.

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Loads To Do is designed to help Manchester residents discover the huge amount of cultural and creative opportunities across the city. From things to do with your family to opportunities for young creatives and older residents, Loads To Do shines a light on where you can go, what you can see and where you can participate or volunteer across the city, or in your own neighbourhood.

Find fun, affordable ways to stay active during the school holidays with sports camps, free swimming, holiday activity programmes, parkruns and family-friendly events across Manchester. With lots of free and low-cost options, there’s something to help every child and family get moving this summer

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We are committed to supporting you to be active, wherever and whenever that may be. To keep you abreast of all that’s happening across sport and physical activity in Manchester, we encourage you to explore the vast resources below to help you stay healthy and active at home, no matter your ability.

Here Mancunians can access various activities that parents, children, young adults and families can take part in and feel inspired through…in your own home, garden or nearest outdoor green space.

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Active Streets is a community-focused programme, overseen by Manchester Active in partnership with Manchester City Council. It transforms local residential streets into safe, car-free spaces for play, physical activity and social interaction.

What is Active Streets?

  • Active Streets creates safe, welcoming, traffic-free spaces where residents, especially children, can play, cycle, and be active on their doorstep.
  • Encourages community interaction, giving neighbours a chance to connect and use their streets in positive ways.
  • Runs throughout the school holidays, bringing pop‑up activities directly to neighbourhoods across Manchester.
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Local spaces. Local Faces. Active Places. In partnership with Making Manchester Fairer.

‘Neighbourhood Moves’ is a community-powered campaign designed to make physical activity more accessible for everyone in Manchester – especially in areas where it’s needed most. As the cost of living rises, staying active shouldn’t be a luxury. This campaign is here to change that.

We’re working hand-in-hand with local communities to highlight and promote the amazing activity spaces, walking routes, green areas, and local providers already on your doorstep. Together, we’re co-creating maps, stories, and opportunities that reflect the real needs and voices of each neighbourhood.

Click the link below to unearth those hidden gems within walking distance of your home, learn how to get involved and help your neighbourhood move!

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Walking is one of the easiest ways to become more active.

Walking more is literally the first step you can take if you want to move a little more and start on your journey to becoming more active.

From moving a bit more at home, walking to the shops or school, joining a walking group in your local park or hiking in the hills, there is something for everyone.

There are many mental and physical health benefits to walking more – including feeling more alert, reducing stress and anxiety, improving your mood and improving sleep.

Physical benefits of regular walking include improving your flexibility, strength and stamina, keeping your heart and lungs healthier, boosting your immune system and decreasing your risk of certain illnesses (including some cancers, diabetes and osteoporosis).  It can also help support weight management.

Walking is a good way to connect with your friends, family, with your community and with nature.  Try a walking meeting or swap your cuppa and cake for a stroll with a friend!

Swapping driving for walking on short journeys is good for your local environment too – in reducing car exhaust fumes; and for the planet in reducing carbon emissions.  Walking can be a low cost physical activity and mode of transport.

click the link below for ideas and tips to get you; your families, communities and workplaces walking more.

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Have any questions or enquiries?

Get in touch with us at info@mcractive.com and a member of our team will be in touch.