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Our Community Initiatives

Empowering Lives Through Movement, Wellbeing & Community Engagement

At Lifestyle Strides CIC, we believe in creating inclusive health and wellbeing opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds. Through our community-driven projects, we have supported individuals to improve their health, regain confidence, and build lasting lifestyle changes.

Each initiative is designed to provide physical activity, mental wellbeing support, and social connection, making health and fitness accessible to everyone.

warmup group

Our Impact at a Glance

Hundreds of individuals engaged in community wellbeing projects

Increased participation in physical activities, including running and strength training

Improved mental resilience and confidence-building for underrepresented groups

Stronger community ties through shared health and wellbeing goals

Our Community Projects

GM Well

Mental Wellbeing & Mindful Movement Programme (Live Well Grant)

  • Location: Coppice Library & Wellbeing Centre, Sale (Trafford)
GM Well
  • Delivery Partner: Lifestyle Strides CIC
  • Funded by: GM Well (administered via Trafford Community Collective – Live Well Grant)
  • Duration: 7-week programme + celebration / review session

Project Overview

This project brought together a powerful blend of mental wellbeing support and movement-based activities, designed to help participants feel calmer, stronger, more confident, and better equipped to manage life’s everyday pressures.

Lifestyle Strides CIC delivered a structured CBT-based wellbeing programme with an inclusive and welcoming community approach β€” combining evidence-led tools with practical, uplifting wellbeing activities.

The programme was delivered in a non-clinical, safe community setting, making it accessible for people who may feel anxious, overwhelmed, or hesitant to engage in formal services.

What We Delivered

Participants benefited from a unique integrated model that combined:

  • CBT-based mental wellbeing skills (practical tools and worksheets)
  • Mindful movement and connection, including:
    β—¦ Mindfulness walking (supported by our Mindfulness Strides approach)
    β—¦ Chair yoga and gentle stretching
    β—¦ Breathwork / Pranayama
    β—¦ Guided relaxation and meditation
    β—¦ Light cardio and wellbeing-friendly movement
    β—¦ Informal table discussions and peer support

This approach helped participants not only learn new life skills, but also embed them through weekly practice, support and connection.

GM Well

Why This Worked

Many community wellbeing programmes struggle with attendance and retention. This project succeeded because it offered:

  • A warm, welcoming environment where people felt emotionally safe
  • A consistent weekly structure with a trusted facilitator
  • A whole-person wellbeing approach (mind + body + community)
  • Ongoing encouragement between sessions and strong participant care
  • A supportive atmosphere with refreshments and informal check-ins

Over the course of delivery, demand grew through word of mouth, and session attendance strengthened as the programme progressed.

Impact & Outcomes

Participants reported improvements across key wellbeing outcomes, including:

  • Feeling more confident and emotionally resilient
  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Better ability to manage difficult thoughts and emotions
  • Improved motivation and routine
  • Stronger sense of social connection and belonging
  • Increased willingness to continue movement and wellbeing activities

We also used participant surveys and reflective feedback to understand progress from the start of the programme through to the final sessions.

Participant Voice

β€œThe biggest difference for me was Raji’s way of presenting the sessions β€” her interaction with people, empathy, and genuine focus on wellbeing made all the difference. It didn’t feel like a course; it felt supportive and human.”
β€” Julie Atkinson, participant

Celebration & Community Momentum

The project ended with a celebration and review session to:

  • revisit key learning from all sessions
  • support participants to plan their next steps
  • celebrate progress and commitment
  • award certificates and recognise achievements

The celebration also included a joyful wellbeing activity session designed to uplift the group and reinforce connection.

celebrate

What’s Next

Due to participant demand, Lifestyle Strides CIC is continuing wellbeing opportunities beyond the funded programme through Feel Good sessions combining movement and mental wellbeing support.

We are also developing an online wellbeing space to provide continued access to resources, guided practices, and community motivation β€” ensuring participants can keep building on their progress long after the course ends.

Want to refer into our next wellbeing programme?

If you’re a GP, social prescriber, community connector or VCSE partner and would like to refer into our upcoming groups, please get in touch:

πŸ“© info@lifestylestrides.com

🌐 www.lifestylestrides.com

βœ… Impact Snapshot

  • Delivered a 7-week CBT-based mental wellbeing programme blended with mindful movement and community support.
  • Directly supported ~12–15 participants, with wider benefit through referrals, word of mouth and continuation activities.
  • Reported improvements included reduced stress/anxiety, increased confidence, stronger routines, and better social connection.
  • Strong engagement and retention were achieved through a warm, relationship-led delivery style in a safe, non-clinical community setting.
  • Integrated practices included mindful walking, chair yoga, breathwork (Pranayama), meditation, and gentle movement.
  • A celebration/review session reinforced learning, recognised progress (certificates) and supported next-step planning.

🌿 Lifestyle Leap

Empowering the South Asian community with holistic health & wellbeing

What it is:

A health and lifestyle initiative for midlife adults in Greater Manchester, helping individuals reduce their risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension through a hybrid program of online membership and in-person workshops.

Impact So Far:

βœ”οΈ 75+ participants actively engaged in structured physical activities
βœ”οΈ 250+ attendees benefiting from wellness seminars
βœ”οΈ Improved fitness levels, dietary habits, and long-term health awareness

πŸ’¬ “I never thought I would run again, but now I’m doing regular 5K jogs! This program has changed my life.”

lifestyle leap

πŸƒβ€β™‚οΈ Active Steps

Supporting financially and health-deprived communities through movement

What it is:

A gentle running and strength training program designed to support individuals in Stockport who have limited access to fitness opportunities. The program encourages sustainable fitness habits and builds community support networks.

Impact So Far:

βœ”οΈ Increased engagement from previously inactive individuals
βœ”οΈ Women over 70 years old started running and exercising regularly
βœ”οΈ Helped participants overcome barriers to exercise and improve their confidence

πŸ’¬ β€œI never exercised before, but now I actually look forward to my runs. The support from this program has been amazing!”

πŸ’œ EmpowerHer

Helping women recover and rebuild confidence through movement & wellbeing

What it is:

A holistic wellbeing initiative that supports women who have experienced domestic abuse, providing them with tools to improve their physical and emotional health through fitness, mindfulness, and social connection.

Impact So Far:

βœ”οΈ Helped women regain confidence and personal strength
βœ”οΈ Provided a safe and supportive space for healing through movement
βœ”οΈ Encouraged participants to embrace new lifestyle changes for long-term wellbeing

πŸ’¬ β€œThis program gave me the courage to take back control of my health and my life.”

Reclaim your life wellbeing group
Raji with midlife runners

🧠 Living Life to the Full

Bringing fitness and social inclusion to the Deaf community

What it is:

A CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)-based mental wellbeing program designed to help individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, and low mood. The program provides practical strategies for better mental and emotional health.

Impact So Far:

βœ”οΈ Participants reported reduced stress and improved mental resilience
βœ”οΈ Equipped individuals with effective strategies to manage daily challenges
βœ”οΈ Positive feedback on clarity, support, and motivation provided by the program

πŸ’¬ β€œI feel more in control of my stress levels and emotions. The sessions have been a game-changer for me.”

πŸ”‡ Unheard Steps

Bringing fitness and social inclusion to the Deaf community

What it is:

A running and movement initiative for individuals with hearing impairments, in partnership with Bolton Deaf Society. The project offers an inclusive space for people to engage in physical activity, connect with others, and improve their overall wellbeing.

Impact So Far:

βœ”οΈ Provided accessible fitness programs tailored to the needs of the Deaf community
βœ”οΈ Created a welcoming and inclusive social space
βœ”οΈ Increased physical activity participation and confidence in exercise

πŸ’¬ β€œI feel more included in fitness spaces now. It’s great to have a program that understands our needs.”

group of women meditate

🧘 Mindfulness Strides App

A digital wellness tool for mental resilience & movement

What it is:

A mindfulness and movement app designed to help users integrate guided mindfulness exercises and physical activity into their daily lives for improved mental clarity and stress reduction.

Impact So Far:

βœ”οΈ Users report feeling less stressed and more in control of their mental wellbeing
βœ”οΈ Encouraged regular mindfulness and movement practices
βœ”οΈ Helped individuals develop a consistent routine for relaxation and focus

πŸ’¬ β€œThis app has been a lifesaver for me. Just a few minutes of mindfulness every day makes a huge difference.”

Mindfulness Strides App

πŸ“’ Get Involved!

At Lifestyle Strides CIC, we believe in collaboration and community-driven impact. Here’s how you can be a part of our journey:

βœ… Volunteer With Us – Help us run events, mentor participants, or support our initiatives
βœ… Support Our Work – Contribute resources, sponsor a program, or become a community partner
βœ… Join a Program – Take part in one of our health & wellbeing initiatives

πŸ’Œ Have Questions? Want to Collaborate?
πŸ“§ Email: info@midliferunners.com

Why Our Community Initiatives Matter

πŸ’™ Breaking barriers to fitness – Making health & wellbeing accessible for all
πŸ’ͺ Empowering individuals – Giving people the tools to take charge of their health
🌍 Creating lasting change – Building sustainable lifestyle habits for a healthier future
Join us in transforming lives, one step at a time!

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