GM Moving share partners' successes to support Men's Health Strategy

By GM Moving | 29 July 2025 | TAGS: Mental health, Health

GM Moving has proudly shared multiple examples of GM Moving in Action with national government to support the development of a Men’s Health Strategy.

Partners across the city region, from health, VCSFE, transport, and education sectors, continue to deliver GM Moving in Action, the collective movement for movement.

Improving men’s health requires urgent and targeted action to address physical inactivity – one of the most actionable and effective ways to improve health-positive behaviours.

Raising physical activity levels will reduce the risk of preventable and longer-term management of physical and mental health conditions including diabetes, cancer, and depression.

In Greater Manchester, 63.9% of men aged 16 and over meet the recommended physical activity guidelines of 150+ minutes of activity every week (below national average (66%)).

Around 1 in 4 (26.8%) are not active enough to gain health benefits and are therefore at greater risk of experiencing poor health and health inequalities.

We also know suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50, and they’re less likely to seek help early, particularly for mental health.

We work alongside Sport England, through the Uniting The Movement strategy, to support those who experience poor mental health and help them reap the benefits of an active life.

Strategic Director, Beth Sutcliffe said:

“Supporting men to lead more active lives must be a core feature of any future men’s health strategy, as a preventative measure and to manage existing conditions.

“GM Moving continues to make the case for creating the conditions for active lives through a whole-system approach, bringing partners together to address barriers we all face.

“The developing picture nationally provides further opportunities for places to think in a whole system, place-based way to create the conditions for improved places, wellbeing, and health.”

We included a mix of inspirational case studies linked to healthcare services as well as those using the power of local sports clubs, groups and facilities in our submission.

The examples were drawn from local authorities, community groups, and NHS GM and included:

• Salford Men’s Mental Health Commission produced a report on what more can be done to help Salford men feel mentally well. It highlights the importance of work-life balance, physical activity, and access to information as key factors in managing stress.
• The Mental Wellbeing Grants Programme from GM ICP supported 75 small VCFSE organisations with £163,261. This included investment for South Manchester Downs Syndrome Support Group to start a 5-a-side team for fathers of children with Downs Syndrome.
• BOOST boxing classes is a programme developed by Marple Cottage Surgery and Stockport East and South PCN to support men aged 45-60 with mental health diagnoses of anxiety or depression.
• Men United Against Suicide FC in Manchester gathers like-minded men who have suffered from a decline in their mental health. They reach out to men who could benefit from local sporting and social events and challenge the stigma around men's mental health.

Find out more about how movement and physical activity is being integrated into health and care here and our work in mental health here.