As Blue Monday approaches, there’s no sign of post-holiday blues at Mosodi! Thanks to initiatives like Wellness Wednesdays, introduced by our Social and Standards Committee in 2025, we’ve embraced a culture of connection and wellbeing. These lunchtime get-togethers have become a highlight of the week, and we’re excited to keep the momentum going in 2026. And while Manchester’s weather made sure our New Year bird-watching walk wasn’t exactly a ‘dry January,’ we’ve built up plenty of energy for the year ahead.

From lights and bikes to wellness hikes, here’s a look back at some of the activities that brought us together:

• Castlefield Circular – A trivia-filled walk exploring Castlefield’s architectural history, complete with a surprise encounter at the Gotham film set.
• Spooktacular Stroll – A ghost walk through Manchester’s most haunted central spots.
• Step into Christmas – A quality street walk to the Manchester Christmas Markets.
• Beak to Business – Our first walk of the New Year, a bird-watching walk guided by our very own Chris Taylor through St John’s Gardens and along the canal. Our new office binoculars were put to good use, and they’re available for anyone who wants to pause and enjoy a moment of reflection during the working day.

These walks have been more than just steps, they’ve been opportunities to recharge, share stories, and strengthen our sense of community. They also reflect Mosodi’s commitment to sustainability and active travel. From lunchtime strolls to colleagues’ travel-to-work vlogs—whether by tram, train, or on foot—we’re proud to champion greener ways of getting around.

Building on this, our Active Travel event team supported the relaunch of the Manchester Green Trail, a 15-route walking circuit linking parks, waterways and greenspaces across the city. This partnership between the Ramblers, Manchester City Council, TfGM, and Manchester Active aims to create a high-quality walking network that encourages more people to explore and enjoy Manchester’s great outdoors.

Cycling was also in the spotlight at Lights Up Fest 2025, organised by Bee Pedal Ready and Manchester’s Bicycle Mayor, Belinda Everett. We joined over 200 riders to illuminate the city and raise awareness about safer night-time cycling. The message was clear: safer night-time cycling matters, and we must continue breaking down barriers to keep women and girls active through the darker months. Only 1 in 5 women feel safe cycling alone at night (Women’s Night Safety Report). The Lights Up event gave women and girls the opportunity to engage in cycling while promoting safe riding at night and highlighting the challenges that prevent equal access to active travel.

As spring approaches, we’re looking forward to lighter evenings, warmer wellness walks, and more opportunities to connect through active travel. Together, we’ll keep moving, promoting healthier lifestyles, stronger communities, and a greener future. These initiatives support our sustainability goals, reflect our collaborative culture, and align with our commitment to creating practical solutions that deliver long-term environmental and social benefits.