Our Health Programmes across Manchester

Our health programmes are designed to support people in making positive changes to their health and wellbeing. Through a range of activities, resources and support, the programmes aim to encourage healthier lifestyles and help participants feel more confident in managing their wellbeing.

Whether you are looking to become more active, improve your general health, or simply learn more about healthy living, our leisure centres in Manchester are committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone. We work with a range of key partners to deliver a wide ranging offer.

MANCHESTER'S AGE FRIENDLY LEISURE STANDARDS

A groundbreaking set of Age Friendly Leisure Standards has launched across Manchester, aiming to make the city’s leisure centres more inclusive, accessible and welcoming for older residents. The initiative has been developed through a partnership between GLL, Manchester Active, Age Friendly Manchester, Manchester City Council and the Centre for Ageing Better. The work builds on Manchester’s wider Age Friendly approach and draws on the Centre for Ageing Better’s Age Friendly Business Framework.

The standards recognise the important role leisure centres play in helping older people remain active, connected and engaged in their communities.

The standards recognise the important role leisure centres play in helping older people remain active, connected and engaged in their communities.

The framework was shaped with direct input from older residents through consultation and engagement with the Age Friendly Manchester Assembly and Older People’s Board, ensuring the standards reflect the real experiences and priorities of older people using leisure services.As part of the new standards, Manchester’s leisure centres have committed to creating environments where older people feel welcomed, supported and confident to take part in activity.

This includes:

  • Providing a safe, welcoming and respectful environment
  • Ensuring clear information in both digital and printed formats
  • Improving accessibility through lighting, signage and seating
  • Offering inclusive activities and social opportunities
  • Creating spaces that encourage connection and community

These commitments will be reviewed regularly in partnership with the AgeFriendly Manchester Board to ensure centres continue to improve the experience for older visitors.

 Find out more

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REFERRAL

MCR Active PARS Pathway 1

PARS pathway 1 offers specialist support and physical activity opportunities for people living with long term health conditions that require a tailored delivery approach. 

Why would you be referred?

You would be referred because your doctor or your healthcare professional feels that your health will benefit if you are more active in your everyday life.

What happens after your appointment?

Following the appointment you will attend local exercise classes or other activity sessions as discussed and agreed at your initial appointment with the Physical Activity Referral Officer and it is expected that you will attend these sessions for a minimum of 12 weeks.

Eligibility for Pathway 1 

  • Asthma
  • Cancer
  • COPD
  • Coronary Heart Disease
  • Cardiovascular Disease (stroke, TIA, AF)
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Diabetes (T1)
  • Risk of falls or frailty
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
Information on Pathway 1

MCR Active PARS Pathway 2

PARS Pathway 2 is for those needing more time or confidence in attending the gym or attending an open community session.

Sessions often have smaller numbers and are delivered by qualified instructors across the city in community venues.

You will also find some Basics fitness classes delivered across Better Leisure Centres which are suitable for customers on this pathway. 

Why would you be referred?

You would be referred because your doctor or your healthcare professional feels that your health will benefit if you are more active in your everyday life.

Eligibility for Pathway 2

  • Chronic Kidney Disease
  • Deconditioning
  • Depression
  • Diabetes (Pre and T2)
  • Loneliness and isolation
  • Osteoporosis
  • Risk of a condition under Pathway 1
  • Stress
  • Weight Management
Information on Pathway 2

MCR Active PARS Pathway 3

Pathway 3 is for anyone looking to improve their health and wellbeing but with no serious ongoing health conditions and low risk of developing any in the near future.

Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones, and helps with weight management.

It also enhances mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, boosting mood, and improving sleep and cognitive function.

Additionally, exercise increases self-esteem, promotes social interaction, and can extend lifespan, contributing to overall well-being.

You will find a range of activities suitable for all ages at our leisure centres that will benefit your health and wellbeing including swimming, gym and fitness classes, cycling, sailing, tennis and much more!

We also run an extensive targeted activity programme for following user groups

  • Senior activities
  • Women and girls
  • Juniors and Under 5s
  • Inclusive activities

 

Our Centres

HEALTHWISE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME

Our healthwise programme is a maintenance service for those that have completed the Pathway 1, twelve week programme with Manchester Active. 

Your Physical Activity Referral Officer will discuss your progression options with you at the end of your twelve week programme. Whether that be accessing sessions within the community or being referred through to the Better Healthwise maintenance programme.

The healthwise maintenance programme will support you to maintain healthy activity habits and continue to manage your condition through a bespoke physical activity programme with the support of a fully qualified Healthwise Instructor.

Our Healthwise Classes

Our healthwise fitness classes are low-intensity, low impact group fitness classes delivered by our Healthwise Instructors. To attend you must be on a Healthwise membership. 

  • Abraham Moss - Wednesdays 09:45am - 10:30am 
  • Arcadia - Thursdays 13.00-22.00 
  • East Manchester - Mondays 11.00am - 11.45am 
  • Hough End - Mondays 14.15pm - 15.00pm
  • Moss Side - Fridays 11.00am - 12.00pm 
  • North City - Thursdays 13.00pm - 13.45pme 

Social Prescribing

What is social prescribing?

Social prescribing is a healthcare approach where doctors, healthcare professionals or organisations providing support services refer patients or service users to non-medical services and community resources.

Referrals can include activities such as excercise classes, arts, activities, vilunteering opportunities and support groups, to improve their overal health and wellbeing. 

This approach aims to address the social, emotional and practical needs of the patients or service usrs recognising that these factors can significantly impact health outcomes. 

Referrals from Manchester organisations supporting Manchester residents will be considered, the person being referred may then be eligible for the Give-It-A-Go programme. 

What is Give-It-A-Go?

Give It A Go is here to help you take that first step to being more healthy or your first steps after being away from physical activity for a period of time. It’s never too late and before you know it, you’ll wonder why you waited so long!

The Give it A Go programme supports you to become more physically active. Following a referral from the GP, a social prescriber or as part of a community group, you'll be given a six week programme with a range of tailored activities to simply give it a go. At the end of the six weeks, you'll feel more confident to find the right activities to keep you moving. 

Give-It-A-Go-Membership

Give-It-A-Go 6 Week Membership

Cost: £30.00

Access Times: Full Centre Opening Hours

What's included?

  • Ask the instructor gym sessions
  • Gym sessions
  • Fitness classes
  • Swim sessions
  • Court bookings 
  • No strings badminton sessions

Give-It-A-Go Off-Peak 6 Week Membership

Cost: £25.00

Access Times: 9am - 16pm Weekdays, After 13.00pm Weekends.

What's included: Activities listed above, but at off peak times only

Please note, the membership is only available once per customer. Following the six weeks we can discuss progression options based on the activities you enjoyed. 

To make a referral for a service user or patient, please use the link below 

Make a Referral