This article looks at how Rochdale have engaged more people in physical activity by embedding the offer in the New Pioneers Programme.
Richard: ‘The New Pioneers have helped me a lot with my mental health and keeping me mentally active. Some of the things we have done are a wellbeing park walk in Falinge Park doing various activities, and interacting with new people to help with my social anxiety. We have been doing a cycling course in Hopwood Hall car park on a Sunday to improve on my cycling and interacting with new people. The New Pioneers have helped me with so much since I have been involved, from courses and activities, to interact with people with similar backgrounds, and it is helping me keep mentally active and stimulated with the world and round the area, instead of staying in bed with no motivation.’
The Local Pilot has:
What’s different because of the influence of the Local Pilot?
What’s significant in this example?
Steph Rush, Skills Work and Health Manager, Rochdale Borough Council said: ‘We should recognise and highlight Rochdale Boroughwide Housing’s role in funding the project, and the flexibility and freedom they have given the staff to be able to really make a difference to people’s lives and the wider community, and not just play the numbers game.’
Following a successful pilot, the trust will use movement and physical activity to raise patient wellbeing, recovery, and give time back to patients.
It is so important that we educate, support, and safeguard young people here in Greater Manchester - helping them to enjoy the benefits of the digital world while keeping them safe.
Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week returns from 6 to 12 October 2025, led by NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU).