The eight-week programme, delivered by charity MileShyClub as part of Partington's Live Well Month in September 2026, welcomed participants of all ages and abilities. The initiative, part of a wider Greater Manchester effort to promote healthier lives and reduce health inequalities, culminated in a 5K challenge.
Among the participants was Karen, 63, who joined after treatment for breast cancer. Having become inactive, she sought to improve her health. "The psychological benefits are unbelievable," she stated. "Feeling good, feeling proud of yourself and feeling that you've achieved something." Karen, who had never considered herself a runner, can now run for 30 minutes independently and plans to continue.
“"When you first start, you think you're never going to get any further than this. But the programme works."
Local GP Dr James Hider also participated, highlighting the importance of leading by example. "If we're encouraging people to be active, it's important that we're willing to do it ourselves," he said. "It's been a real journey and a real sense of achievement."
“"You start off thinking, 'I'll never do it', but that mental strength then grows and you think, 'I can keep on doing this'."
Claire Miller, Running Coach with MileShyClub, emphasised the group's motivational power. "The power of the group really helps motivate people to turn up, keep going and achieve things they never thought possible," she noted. "Some people have made friends, probably friends for life. People who live round the corner from each other and had never met before are now supporting one another and spending time together."
“"Everybody just looks back and says, 'Wow, look where we've come in such a short period of time.' It shows that whatever your age or starting point, we can all achieve more when we do it together."
Participants also utilised the SiSU Health Station at Partington Library and Wellbeing Centre for self-service health checks, measuring factors including blood pressure, heart rate, BMI, and cardiovascular risk. Coach Claire Miller reported her 'health age' dropped by 10 years, and participant Karen saw her heart rate decrease from 105 to 88 beats per minute.
Councillor Jane Slater, Trafford Council's Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, commented on the programme's impact. "It's inspiring to see the difference this programme has made to people's lives in such a short space of time," she said. "The success of this Couch to 5K programme shows the power of community-led health initiatives and why the Live Well approach is so important."
