A Event Dedicated to Preventative Wellbeing, Leadership, Connection, Collaboration, Contribution and Positive Action

Thursday 15 October 2026 | 10:00–12:00 | Bloc, Marble Street, Manchester

Purpose of the Event

Explore what makes a Stay Well City, what this could mean for Manchester and how individuals, businesses and organisations can contribute to creating one.

 Mark Ashton, Board Advisor to Stay Well, will facilitate the event through short introductions, interviews, audience questions and conversations.

The Event Journey

The Vision and the Mission: What is Stay Well and why was it created?

10:00–10:15

 Mark Ashton interviews Stephen Robinson, Founder and CEO, who will share the story, passion, values and purpose behind Stay Well, including the mission to teach one million people how to stay well.

The Strategy: What is a Stay Well City and why Manchester?

10:20–10:50

 An introduction to the wider vision for creating healthier, more connected communities built around preventative health and personal responsibility for our own wellbeing.

 The interviews will offer greater insight into the Community Strategy and the projects currently active in Manchester.

Mark Ashton interviews:

David Germain, CEO, Age UK
Seb Busz, Stay Well Manchester Lead
Gareth Beard - Senior Area Operations Manager, Bruntwood SciTech

How to Get Involved: Five key areas currently being developed

10:55–11:45

Stay Well Recycle to Stay Well Imitative - Andrew Marsh 

Stay Well Employer Strategy - Dawn Navarro, People Services, AXA UK

Stay Well Approved - Karen Lees, It’s Mental, Claire Glynn, Operations Manager, University of Lancashire

Stay Well Ambassadors - Becci Mason, Stay Well Ambassador, AXA UK

 Stay Well Community, Collective and Events - The Stay Well Collective, App, website, events, activities and opportunities for people to remain connected to the movement.

Seb Busz, Stay Well Manchester Lead, Andreea Pausan, Stay Well Collective Member

 Each area will be explored through a short-facilitated interview and conversation.

Opportunity Panel and Q&A

11:50–12:00

Where could you or your organisation fit?

 All contributors will be invited back onto the stage for a final audience Q&A.

Guests will have the opportunity to ask questions and consider how their experience, organisation or relationships could contribute to the Stay Well Manchester vision.

Can we continue the conversation over coffee?

The formal event will finish at 12:00, with everyone invited to continue the conversation, meet the Stay Well team and ask further questions in the Bloc café until 13:00.