Adults living with chronic health conditions in Cork can now access MoveWell exercise classes at two new venues in Mahon and the city, following strong demand for the programme and positive participant feedback.
MoveWell is delivered through a partnership with the Health Promotion and Improvement Department at HSE South West, Cork Sports Partnership and local community leisure facilities to provide low-intensity, strength-building classes in a safe, friendly, and supportive environment.
The programme is open to adults living with one or more of the following conditions:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Cardiovascular Disease
In 2025, over 120 MoveWell classes were delivered at LeisureWorld Churchfield and LeisureWorld Bishopstown. Building on the success of the programme, MoveWell is now expanding to:
- Gym Plus, Mahon
- The Mardyke Arena UCC
The expansion will increase the availability of MoveWell classes across Cork, making it easier for people living with chronic conditions to access structured physical activity closer to where they live.
To support this growth, exercise instructor training has been delivered to staff across several leisure facilities in Cork, equipping them with the additional knowledge and skills required to deliver the programme locally. MoveWell is particularly suited to people who are currently inactive or engaging in low levels of physical activity. Participants must be able to exercise independently without the use of a mobility aid.
Mary Cleary, Senior Health Promotion Officer with HSE South West, said:
“Regular activity brings a wide range of benefits for people living with long-term conditions, helping them to stay independent and maintain a better quality of life. MoveWell provides a welcoming environment where people can build confidence, stay motivated and learn to self-manage their condition better.”
Maurice O’Sullivan, Strategic Operations Manager with Cork Sports Partnership, said: “We are delighted to continue working with HSE South West and local community leisure facilities to expand MoveWell and provide more opportunities for people living with chronic conditions to be physically active. Through this expansion, more people will be able to access structured exercise in a supportive environment, helping them build confidence, improve their wellbeing and become more active in their everyday lives.
Susan Searson, a MoveWell participant, said:
“I was referred to MoveWell by my physiotherapist. At first, I was nervous about attending the group as it’s based in a gym – many years ago, I had a bad experience joining a gym and was made to feel very uncomfortable.
“Caroline rang me and we arranged a time to meet at Leisure World. When I arrived, Caroline was waiting for me; she was friendly and settled my nerves straight away. I have now been attending weekly classes for two years. Our instructor, Mairead, is so nice, keeps us motivated by changing the exercises we do. If there is an exercise we cannot do, Mairead will show us different variations, so we still get the same benefits.
“Living in the country I can sometimes feel isolated and lonely. Joining MoveWell has helped me to get out of the house on a regular basis, I have made friends, and it has helped improve my health both mentally and physically. It is a great place to be.”
Healthcare professionals can refer patients directly to the programme, while a self-referral pathway is also available. The first class is free of charge, with subsequent classes costing €9. Pre-registration is essential. People interested in taking part can contact [email protected], 021 492 1641 or scan the QR Code and complete the online application form.
