Izzy Lepone 24 February 2026

Manchester high schoolers to benefit from free gym classes

Manchester high schoolers to benefit from free gym classes image
© TZIDO SUN / Shutterstock.com.

Young people aged 11 to 16 could receive access to free gym and fitness services in Manchester.

The move will involve Manchester City Council working with two leisure operators across 10 leisure centres in the region, with the aim of promoting regular exercise among those in high school through a plan that provides free gym and fitness classes.

According to the council, the scheme is designed to support emotional resilience and stress reduction among young people, leading to better mental health and wellbeing outcomes.

The local authority has confirmed that a go live date for the initiative has not yet been decided.

A council spokesperson said: ‘Providing opportunities for physical, social, and mental engagement in a safe, structured environment, promotes healthier lifestyles and enables young people to develop lifelong habits of movement and fitness that build confidence and community connections.’

For more on this topic, download your free copy of GLL: Transforming Community Health and Wellbeing.

Designing for cohesion image

Designing for cohesion

Tom Fairey, Development Director at Alliance Leisure, discusses how community spaces can strengthen local connections.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Practitioner - Children in Care - North Essex

Essex County Council
£48205.0000 - £57988.0000 per annum
Senior Practitioner - Children in Care - North EssexPermanent, Full Time£48,205 to £57,988 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Coroners Coordinator

Essex County Council
£25959.0000 - £26632.0000 per annum
Coroners CoordinatorPermanent, Full Time£25,959 to £26,632 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Adults Social Worker - Discharge to Assess

Essex County Council
£38487 - £51834 per annum
Interviews will be held in person at Rowan House, Colchester in late July 2026.This advert is open to Experienced Qualified Social Worker's About Our England, Essex, Colchester
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Organisational Development Adviser

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
43545 - 55992
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

School Crossing Patroller

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Pro Rata Salary - £5353,77
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner