Live Well in Greater Manchester
GM Live Well brings together people, services and organisations from across the city region, including NHS Greater Manchester, local councils, the VCSE sector, community groups, businesses and residents. Together, we’re working to make sure people can easily get help, advice and opportunities to improve their health and wellbeing, close to where they live.
Live Well is Greater Manchester’s growing movement for community led health and wellbeing. It’s all about making sure that everyone, wherever they live, has the chance to feel healthy, connected and supported in their everyday life. It's part of Andy Burnham’s Manifesto commitment for:
“everyone in every community to have daily access to support and advice to improve their physical and mental health and socio-economic status”.
The Greater Manchester Live Well Approach seeks to remove barriers to opportunity and tackling health, social and economic inequalities making sure everyone has access to great everyday support in their own neighbourhood. It’s a movement that brings together local people, community groups, and public services to help everyone live healthier, happier lives. At the heart of this movement is the belief that community voice matters, and that people should feel empowered to shape the places they live.
Live Well in Bury
Across Bury, work is already underway to build a network of Live Well Centres and Live Well Spaces in all five neighbourhoods. These places will offer friendly, local support that’s easy to access and rooted in the community.
Live Well Spaces
Live Well Spaces are informal, welcoming spots where people can drop in, connect with others and find support. They’re often run by voluntary groups, peer networks or local volunteers. These spaces could be cafés, libraries, community centres or pop up areas within other venues. They’re designed to feel familiar, accessible and part of everyday life.
Live Well Centres
Live Well Centres bring services and community support together in one place. They offer a warm welcome, guidance, and links to local activities. Together, they form trusted spaces where people feel at home and get early help before problems grow.
Bury’s First Live Well Centre: Opening 2026
As part of Phase 1, Bury Council, NHS GM and Bury VCFA are working together to bring a currently disused building, The Ark on Albert Road in Whitefield, back into community use. After conversations with residents and the VCFSE sector, plans are underway to transform The Ark into Bury’s first Live Well Centre.
This ambitious project aims to open the centre by April 2026, giving local people a welcoming place to connect, find support and get involved.
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Live Well Festival 2026
Monday 9 March – Monday 23 March 2026
This spring, the very first Live Well Festival will take place across all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester. Over 250 events and activities will pop up in local communities, celebrating the people, places and ideas that help us all to live well.
Each event will shine a light on one of four themes:
⭐ Spaces of Hope and Connection
Celebrating the welcoming, community rooted places that help us feel we belong.
⭐ Building Bridges and Weaving Trust
Bringing people together, strengthening relationships and growing trust across communities and public services.
⭐ Great Everyday Support
Showcasing the kind, inclusive and practical support that helps people live well every day.
⭐ Participation and Community Power
Highlighting how communities lead change, influence decisions, and help shape the places they live.
The full festival programme will be released in three stages:
- 23 February – First launch
- 26 February – Second launch
- 2 March – Final launch
Updates of the Live Well Festival will be shared on the GMCA Website:
