We all want the same thing, our efforts and investments have been channelled this way and yet…. There has been no seismic shift! Inactivity remains a huge challenge right across our sector and inequalities are stark.

The Government have rightly challenged the system to re-prioritise inactivity and inequalities and to work with communities to co-design and co-produce fit-for-purpose solutions that engage them in an active life and here in Greater Manchester we are gearing up to do just that!

With the launch of GM Moving over the summer, we have clearly laid down our marker to fundamentally shift the way the whole system and communities relate to physical activity & sport and in doing so increase the number of active people within Greater Manchester. GM Moving is embedded within the priorities for Greater Manchester, which focus on improving outcomes at each stage of people's lives, so that they are able to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

This joined up approach has been possible because Greater Manchester has been at the forefront of the devolution agenda. The ground-breaking deals which have been done between Greater Manchester and Government, based on over 30 years of close collaboration locally, means that Greater Manchester now has greater ability than any other English city region to join up services, including the health and social care system.

At the forefront of our approach is the whole system and a guiding set of principles with people at its heart. There isn't one solution to support population-level change. Our system-wide approach, underpinned by behaviour change, high quality evidence and insight, engagement and the contributions' of cross sector workforces, provide a strong platform upon which to progress towards the ambitious target of 75% of Greater Manchester residents active or fairly active by 2025.

This is no small feat as we strive to double the rate of past improvements. The difference now is that we are not alone. We stand, united in our mission together with an army of cross-sector partners and with the political support of the ten council leaders and the Mayor of Greater Manchester.

To find out more, or pledge your support to GM Moving click here.

Yvonne Harrison is Chief Executive Officer of GreaterSport - Greater Manchester Sports Partnership