As a Londoner who has owned and organised mass participation events all over the world, from the Tour de Yorkshire to first ever triathlons in Abu Dhabi, Barcelona, London and Stockholm, one city stood out from the moment I arrived and was told by a taxi driver to put my mobile phone away and chat.

In 2017, we bought and owned the Manchester Marathon. Greater Manchester stood out on a global scale for three main reasons:

  • Brave leadership, politicians who understand the bigger picture and stand beside you when you have upset a vicar for closing the roads on a Sunday
  • Collaboration
  • A world class vision and attitude, embracing anyone with half an idea and a desire to get stuck in

You cannot self appoint ‘adopted Manc’ status, but I have been proudly informed I am, and I will take that.

So when I decided to launch a world first workforce wellbeing series, there was only one place to start.

For the last six months I have had over 600 meetings across the eclectic workforce of Greater Manchester. From council heads to CEOs of our biggest companies, restaurant owners to the people who make it work, cleaners to hotel receptionists.

The message is consistent: organisations across all industries are facing a huge people challenge. Manchester thrives on connection, and the modern workplace and modern lifestyles are working against this.

Our answer is deliberately simple. The Greater Manchester Wellbeing Series is a platform built for the entire workforce. Two major events to improve everyday performance, connection and focus.

The embodiment of collaboration: industries and boroughs coming together in two shared moments to champion wellbeing.

The first pillar event is easier to grasp: the GM Wellbeing Run and Walk. A summer evening on May 21 in Heaton Park. Teams of colleagues can choose between a 5.5k run or 2k walk, with music, wellbeing experiences and a chunky medal. This offers a focus on movement and physical wellbeing.

Then we move to the mental wellbeing event. This is truly a world first: a city region wide virtual meditation on October 22. Three minutes of meditation, that is it.

In JW Lees pubs, on Happy Radio, in the Arndale Centre. Three minutes is enough.

Previously, I worked with a science backed meditation company in Geneva, alongside pioneering neuroscientists deepening the understanding of the brain’s activity during meditation. It works. We even turned it into a sport.

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Meditation should be taught in schools, a bit like PE. The benefits are clear and proven. Like a gym for the brain, regular practice, think Couch to 5k.

Specifically, improving your focus, your concentration, your ability to deal with stress and to prevent burnout.

We are working on a non ‘woo woo’, logical three minute mindful format for everyone to try. Greater Manchester will come together in this moment of calm.

Above all, though, and this brings me back to the GM magic, it is not just the physical or mental wellbeing impact that will be most deeply felt. It is the social health. The forged connection with colleagues becoming friends.

Through participating together, crossing finish lines together, using the simplest tools at our disposal to stay healthy: running, walking, meditation and mindfulness.

Businesses will benefit from renewed energy, focus and boosted spirit, not to mention fewer sick days.

Our vision starts in Greater Manchester, but it will not end here. We are creating a blueprint for urban wellbeing to ripple out across the UK and beyond.

But it has to begin here, because Manchester’s spirit mirrors the City Wellbeing Series spirit. Plus, it is a great place for a post event celebration.

This is an invitation to lead from the front. Let’s show the world that a healthier, more connected workforce is the foundation of our future prosperity. Join the movement at www.gmwellbeingseries.com