RCGP reaches 500 Active Practices with momentum growing in Greater Manchester

By GM Moving | 11 August 2025 | TAGS: Active Practices, health, Place based partnerships

Progress and momentum in Greater Manchester has supported the Royal College of GPs reach a landmark 500 GP practices joining the Active Practice Charter.

The Active Practice Charter is an initiative from the Royal College of GPs and Sport England. The charter inspires and celebrates GP practices and Primary Care Networks (PCNs) committed to increasing activity and reducing sedentary behaviour in staff and patients.

GM Moving is working to grow the number of accredited GP practices and PCNs as part of our work to embed movement into health systems throughout the city region.

There’s also a commitment to building stronger links between primary health care and physical activity reflected in Greater Manchester’s Place Partnership work.

All ten boroughs have strengthening links to primary health as key to their Place Partnerships work. Many name Active Practices specifically as core to their delivery with the ways of working complementing place partnership principles.

There are now 33 Active Practices in Greater Manchester, nearly 7% of the total across the country, a significant increase from the 13 which existed back in 2023/24.

Such growth shows an increased determination among staff and patients which will lead to stronger, healthier, more connected communities and services.

For example, in Salford, Langworthy Medical Practice staff recently completed a strength training session to learn more about the importance of this component in overall health.

In Trafford, the Sale Central Primary Care Network teamed up with the Trafford Talking Therapy Team to support over 800 participants at parkrun in Longford Park.

After seeing the positive impact increased physical activity has on staff, patients, and community health and wellbeing, more practices and PCNs are signing up to the charter.

Imogen Halls, GM Moving’s Project Lead for Health,said:

“It’s great to see the enthusiasm amongst doctors, NHS staff, public health teams, and physical activity providers for the Active Practice Charter, both in Greater Manchester and nationally.

“We’re seeing more and more practices in the city region recognise the role physical activity has in supporting staff and patients enjoy happier and healthier lives, as well as recognising their roles as advocates for this work.

“I look forward to seeing more healthcare professionals join the movement, and working together to support the GM Moving in Action ambition of enabling active lives for all.”

Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi and Dr Callum Leese, RCGP Physical Activity and Lifestyle Project Clinical Champions, said:

"We are delighted that we have reached this incredible milestone - what a fantastic achievement for all 500 practices and counting.

“It represents the dedication of all the people who have contributed, and who recognise the importance of movement to all our health and wellbeing.”

Active Practices support healthcare professionals and practice staff to increase their activity levels, providing a boost for productivity, wellbeing, and a healthier workforce.

Research shows those who are more active themselves are more likely to advocate for their patients to be active. Increasing the number of advocates within the medical profession will only further accelerate the changes we’re seeing.

Improving the activity levels of staff is one of the NHS Four Ways Forward which outlines how physical activity is essential to the health and wellbeing of patients and NHS staff.

This is echoed in the new NHS 10-year plan with physical activity a fundamental part of the shift from treatment to preventative healthcare so everyone can live healthier lives for longer.

For further information, get in touch with Imogen and check out our Active Practices webpage.

Learn more about physical activity in General Practice via the RCGP Physical Activity Hub and download the toolkit.