Greater Manchester is preparing for a takeover of calm today (October 22) as businesses, public transport and venues across the city-region join forces for what organisers describe as the world’s first citywide meditation initiative.
Created by Nick Rusling, founder and CEO of the Greater Manchester Wellbeing Series, the event aims to bring the city-region together for a day of mindfulness, reflection and shared stillness.
Major employers taking part include JW Lees, Hydes, Bruntwood, CBRE, Nell’s, Dunsters Farm, Oldham Athletic Foundation, Mustard Tree, Regatta, Trafford Centre, Co-op Live and AO Arena.
The initiative will bring together three leading voices in mindfulness and meditation – Oxford Mindfulness Foundation, All Here and Elise Riley – to encourage people to make wellbeing part of their everyday routines.
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “I’m so pleased to support the Greater Manchester Wellbeing Series. It is a brilliant, inclusive platform that brings our city’s businesses together.
“Whether you’re running, walking or meditating, it’s about getting active, pausing and connecting with your colleagues. It is a fantastic demonstration of how we, as a city, can demonstrate that we care.”
Over 24 hours, participants will be encouraged to take just three minutes out of their day to pause, recharge and sharpen their focus.
The three-minute meditation will be promoted across Greater Manchester’s Metrolink tram network, hundreds of pubs belonging to some of the region’s oldest brewers and through broadcasts on Happy Radio, which reaches more than 800,000 people.
William Lees-Jones, managing director of JW Lees, who has been included in BusinessCloud’s 2026 Northern Leaders list, said: “Our pubs are at the heart of communities across Greater Manchester, and our people are the heart of our business.
“We are adopting the GM Wellbeing Series as a catalyst for a deeper focus on wellbeing, from our head office in Middleton to our pubs across the region and our brewery.
“It’s a practical platform for every business to show they are invested in their people, and we encourage others to join us.”
The day will also see chief people officers, HR professionals and business leaders gather at Bupa’s head office for the Workforce Engine Conference.
The event will focus on preventative health and improving everyday performance, with discussions covering gut, mind and brain health.
Today’s initiative follows the Greater Manchester Wellbeing Run & Walk at Heaton Park, which was designed to encourage participation through an accessible 2km walk, 5.5km run and wheelchair-friendly routes.