Looking ahead to a future where everyone can live well, every day.

What will it take to make this way of working that everyday reality across Greater Manchester?

Explore what happens when systems enable community action, community power, and community wealth to grow. Where devolving power and funding means communities thrive, inequalities reduce, and everyday support becomes accessible, inclusive, and sustainable.

Communities and public services share a vision for Greater Manchester’s future — where welcoming, strength-based spaces and support foster trust, belonging, and purpose. This is all about putting people, not processes, at the heart of change.

This series shares honest, lived experiences. Some content may feel sensitive or challenging. Please listen in a way that feels right for you.

Talking Points:

00:00 - Introduction

01:31 - Reflecting on the Live Well Vision

03:04 - Community Stories and Insights

04:54 - The Vision for Live Well Centres

09:06 - Employment Support and Community Engagement

10:23 - Exploring Community Hubs

16:10 - Challenges and Barriers to Employment

19:53 - The Future of Live Well

35:36 - Conclusion and Call to Action

Organisations & groups featured:

GMCA - Annette and Tabz, Jane Forrest

DeButterfly Mama Health and Poverty Partnership and GM Shapers - Folashade

Mayor of Greater Manchester - Andy Burnham

Unlimited Potential - Chris Dabbs

Elephants Trail - Andy

Wigan Council – Alison McKensie-Folan

Stretford Public Hall via Elephant's Trail

Lighthouse project via Elephant's Trail

Plattbridge Community Zone via Elephant's Trail

Christine, Keegan and Jaimie

Local Trust – Rachel Rowney

Minister of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Alison McGovern MP

Some watching:

Hope, Elephants Trail - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S33Y5Jj-PYY

Further Reading:

Read the transcript for this episode here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NjNbLNWAw9NWbsjvHb5tjCoJlkBTtcHC?usp=drive_linkre

Community power map - https://goodlivesgm.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/UK-evidence-for-community-power-1.pdf

GM Live Well is Greater Manchester’s commitment to ensuring great everyday support is available in every neighbourhood.

It will tackle health, social and economic inequalities by changing how public services work with people and communities to grow opportunities for everyone to Live Well. GM Live Well will ensure everyone has the support, control, connections and resources to lead a healthy and happy life.

Find out more: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/live-well/

This podcast brings together over 100 voices from across Greater Manchester, add yours to conversations on social media using #GMLiveWell.

Funders:

GM Live Well is a partnership between GMCA, NHS GM 10 GM and partners across the city-region. Movement building and learning, and accelerator work in five boroughs has been funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.

Credits:

A MIC media Production