About MoveWell
MoveWell is a low-intensity, structured beginner exercise class suited for individuals with low levels of physical activity, led by qualified exercise professionals. The programme offers a safe and supported pathway for adults with chronic conditions to become more physically active. The programme was designed through a collaboration between Cork Sports Partnership (CSP) LeisureWorld Cork, and the HSE Health Promotion & Improvement (HP&I) team.
It is designed for people living with one or more of the following chronic conditions:
- Type II Diabetes
- Asthma
- COPD
- Cardiovascular Disease.
It consists of:
- A friendly and welcoming approach with follow-up to support ongoing attendance.
- A weekly, 1-hour low-intensity strength-building class including warm-up, circuit-based resistance training, and cool-down/stretching.
- A rolling structure (i.e. ongoing and not limited to 6 or 8 week programme blocks) with ‘pay as you go’ access.
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.”
Venues
- LeisureWorld Bishopstown-Tuesday and Thursday at 10am.
- LeisureWorld Churchfield-Recommencing September 2026
- Gym Plus Mahon-Wednesday at 10.30am
- The Mardyke Arena UCC-Monday at 10am.
Where do I apply?
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.
Latest MoveWell News
MoveWell programme expands to new Cork venues to support people with chronic conditions
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. Speaking about the programme, Strategic Operations Manager with Cork Sports Partnership, Maurice O’Sullivan said ‘We are excited to work with our colleagues in the HSE South West – Health Promotion Team to bring the MoveWell programme to more community facilities and providers across Cork over the coming months. This will ensure more people living with chronic conditions in communities across Cork get access to suitable exercise opportunities in a supportive environment’.
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 and 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.
Mary Cleary, Senior Health Promotion Officer with the HSE said ‘we know that being regularly active can bring a wide range of benefits for people living with long-term chronic conditions, to help them stay independent and maintain a better quality of life. The MoveWell programme aims to increase activity by providing a supportive, welcoming environment where individuals can build confidence, stay motivated, and learn to better self-manage their condition. Even those who do little or no exercise can experience improved health. Participants consistently praise MoveWell’s comfortable pace, expert instruction, and the boost it gives to their independence and wellbeing’.
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.
