A community-led health initiative in south Sligo, believed to be one of the first of its kind in Europe, is impacting the lives of many across the west and northwest, including those with health conditions.
What began as an idea to supplement the income of a rural community facility, has become a vital source of physical and social support for many in the west.
Based at Ballinalack community facility, the 'Hello GoodLife and Wellbeing Hub' provides power-assisted exercise on machines suitable for adults of all ages.
Tom McGettrick, a farmer living with Parkinson's disease, said the social aspect is just as important as the physical benefits.
"With Parkinson’s, the more you do today, the more you’ll be able to do tomorrow.
"I do it [circuit] four or five times a week. It’s like going for a pint, you meet the crowd and you go home happy," he said.
Trainer Adrian Tansey said it is the "only community-led hub of its kind with these machines in Europe" as he said other similar facilities are commercial enterprises.
Ballymote resident Bernie Torley, who had never set foot in a traditional gym, described the hub as "easy exercise" in a welcoming environment.
"It’s the exercise and you can have a wee chat. It’s great for mental health as well, it’s just brilliant. Once I came here, I knew it was for me," she said.
Retired parish priest Father Farrell Cawley from Ballinacarrow said the power assisted machines have helped to alleviate back pains.
He has been attending the hub for the past five months.
"I had a quite severe in the lower back pain and a disc problem," he said.
"Wear and tear they tell me. It has built up muscle. The pain isn’t as acute. It may be psychological, but I feel better, anyway."
Trainer Johnny Flannery explained that the various machines forming part of 40-minute circuit work every major muscle group from neck to ankles, allowing users to go through the movement patterns without resistance, if they wish.
Funded with support from Sligo Leader Partnership, the hub has about 400 members.
'We knew it was a game changer'
Dermot Gormanly, chairperson of Ballinalack Community Park, said the aim was to provide a service while generating income to sustain the community facility.
The concept took shape after members visited a similar facility in Castlebar, Co Mayo, and once funding was secured, strong community support followed and it expanded steadily.
"We knew it was a game changer," said committee treasurer Richard Brennan.
"Local GPs and physiotherapists are recommending it. It’s a great community outlet. Word of mouth has been the main advertisement."
He added. "We have people coming here from their mid-30s to their mid-90s. There’s something in the machines for everybody."
He said that when Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill opened the centre last year, they knew they had "something special".
The hub employs five staff and is supported by around 15 volunteers.
For members like Liz Thornton from Ballymote, the impact is significant.
"I have problems with my back - sciatica, osteoporosis, you name it. I come three days a week. I absolutely love it... I don’t feel well when I miss it," she said.
The Hello GoodLife Ireland model was established by Mayo native Martina Calvey.
Her aim was to make power-assisted exercise technology more accessible.
Joan Flynn from Riverstown began attending the hub after her son recommended it.
"I feel much fitter since I started here. As you get older and the joints get stiffer, I found that I have more flexibility, when I’m walking. I feel the benefit," she said.
Taking a broader view of the facility’s impact, Father Cawley said he believes other communities could also benefit from establishing similar facilities.
"I enjoy the social aspect as well as the psychological, physical and emotional benefits. A lot of other communities could benefit from such a facility across the country," he said.
