Innovative Irish Hub Offers Accessible Exercise and Community for All Ages
A community-led health and wellbeing initiative in County Sligo, Ireland, is gaining recognition for its impact on individuals’ physical and social wellbeing, including those managing chronic health conditions. The ‘Hello GoodLife and Wellbeing Hub’ at Ballinalack Community Park began as a project to support a rural facility and has evolved into a vital resource for the local community.
Power-Assisted Exercise for Every Ability
The hub provides power-assisted exercise machines designed to accommodate adults of all ages and fitness levels. This approach allows individuals to participate in a full-body workout, adjusting the resistance to suit their needs. Trainer Johnny Flannery explained that the 40-minute circuit works every major muscle group, offering users the option to perform movements without resistance if desired.
More Than Just Physical Fitness
Members emphasize the importance of the social connections fostered at the hub. Tom McGettrick, a farmer living with Parkinson’s disease, shares, “With Parkinson’s, the more you do today, the more you’ll be able to do tomorrow. It’s like going for a pint, you meet the crowd and you go home happy.” Bernie Torley, a Ballymote resident who had never been to a traditional gym, describes the hub as providing “easy exercise” in a welcoming environment, noting its positive impact on mental health.
Benefits for a Range of Health Concerns
The hub has proven beneficial for individuals with various health concerns. Retired parish priest Father Farrell Cawley reported that the power-assisted machines have helped alleviate lower back pain and a disc problem. Liz Thornton, who manages sciatica and osteoporosis, finds the hub essential to her wellbeing, stating, “I absolutely love it… I don’t feel well when I miss it.”
A Unique, Community-Driven Model
Trainer Adrian Tansey highlights that the Hello GoodLife hub is “the only community-led hub of its kind with these machines in Europe,” distinguishing it from commercial fitness facilities. The project was initially inspired by a similar facility in Castlebar, County Mayo, and received funding from Sligo Leader Partnership. Dermot Gormanly, chairperson of Ballinalack Community Park, explained the initial aim was to provide a service whereas generating income for the community facility.
Growing Support and Recognition
The hub currently has approximately 400 members, and local healthcare professionals are increasingly recommending it to their patients. Committee treasurer Richard Brennan notes that members range in age from their mid-30s to their mid-90s, with something available for everyone. The centre was officially opened by Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill last year.
Expanding the Hello GoodLife Model
The Hello GoodLife Ireland model was established by Martina Calvey, with the goal of increasing access to power-assisted exercise technology. Father Cawley believes that other communities could benefit from establishing similar facilities, citing the social, psychological, physical, and emotional benefits experienced by members. Joan Flynn from Riverstown shares, “I feel much fitter since I started here… I found that I have more flexibility when I’m walking.”
The Hello GoodLife Ireland hub is staffed by five employees and supported by around 15 volunteers. More information can be found on their website: Hello GoodLife Ireland or by calling +353 (85) 774 2298.