Innovative and inclusive approach to prevention, healthy ageing and community wellbeing showcased to European health leaders at Dublin Castle

An Irish-developed model bringing physical, mental and social health together within one inclusive environment was showcased to European health leaders at Dublin Castle recently.

Hello GoodLife Ireland founders Martina Calvey and Seamus Davitt attended the Informal Meeting of Health Ministers, held on 30 September and 1 October as part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

At the centre of their engagement was the Hello GoodLife Fitness, Health & Wellbeing Hub, a holistic model developed in Ireland to help people remain active, connected and independent for longer regardless of age, condition or fitness level.
The Hello GoodLife Hub is not simply a gym, clinic or social space. It is a new model of community health infrastructure that brings inclusive physical activity, preventative health and early intervention, rehabilitation potential, confidence-building and social connection together in one environment.

The thinking behind it began with a fundamental question: what do people genuinely need to maintain mobility, confidence, independence and wellbeing throughout their lives?

For Hello GoodLife Ireland, the answer extends beyond exercise equipment. The model recognises that physical, mental and social health are interconnected, and that maintaining an active lifestyle over the longer term can also depend on confidence, accessibility, routine, belonging and human connection.

More than exercise

At the physical heart of each Hello GoodLife Hub is a structured circuit of Innerva power-assisted exercise equipment, providing a combination of cardiovascular and strength-based exercise within a supported environment.

The technology adapts to each user and where necessary provides support allowing each person to begin then make progress at their own pace. It also works for people with reduced mobility, stamina or confidence as adjustable settings allow activity to be graded and progressed.

The Hello GoodLife model is suitable for adults of all ages and relevant too for mature and older adults, for people living with long-term conditions, for those with reduced mobility or low fitness confidence, and for people rebuilding their activity following illness or injury. It can equally provide for people who are already active and want to maintain or improve their fitness level. Its benefits include increased body strength and mobility, flexibility, balance, stamina, range of movement and improved overall fitness all of which become increasingly important in maintaining independence.

But the exercise circuit is only one part of the Hello GoodLife Hub. Around it, Hello GoodLife has deliberately designed an environment that supports confidence, routine, mental wellbeing and social connection.

People have an opportunity to sit, talk and interact before and after exercising, helping participation become part of a regular social routine. This dedicated space & social dimension is central to the model, recognising that belonging, comfort and human connection can influence whether someone begins exercising and, importantly, whether they continue.
Hello GoodLife Hub is also designed around changing needs throughout life, from maintaining fitness and mobility to returning to movement following illness or injury or requiring greater support to remain active and independent with age. In appropriate healthcare settings, power-assisted exercise also has potential to help bridge the transition between therapist-led rehabilitation and sustainable longer-term activity.

European health leaders experience the model

European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare Olivér Várhelyi experienced the power-assisted element of the model first-hand when he met Martina and Seamus and tried one of the Innerva machines during the Dublin Castle meeting.
The Hello GoodLife model was also featured in a Department of Health video showcasing community health and wellbeing initiatives across Ireland. The Hello GoodLife Hub at Ballinalack Community Park in Bunninadden, Co. Sligo featured prominently, giving delegates a working example of the model in practice.

Hello GoodLife Ireland Founder and Director Growth & Impact Martina Calvey said:

“When we began developing the Hello GoodLife Hub, we weren’t trying to create another gym. We were looking at a much bigger question: what do people actually need to help them live healthier, more active and independent lives for longer?

“Regular consistent exercise is hugely important, both cardio and strength training, but it isn’t the whole answer. Physical health, mental wellbeing and social health are connected. The power-assisted circuit provides an inclusive way to exercise, but around it we have designed an environment that supports confidence, routine, connection and community. It is about looking at the whole person rather than one aspect of their health in isolation.

“As people live longer, we need practical ways to help them maintain their health, mobility, independence and connections to their communities. People’s needs change throughout life, and the Hello GoodLife Hub has been designed to provide an environment where they can continue to participate at the level that is right for them.”

Designed to be replicated

A defining feature of the Hello GoodLife Hub is its replicability. Rather than requiring a purpose-built facility, the model can be introduced into suitable existing community centres, sports facilities, gyms and other spaces, allowing the same approach to physical, mental and social health to be adapted to different communities. Full training, set-up, operations and marketing support are all provided to operators by Hello GoodLife Ireland.

The model is already operating through Hello GoodLife Hubs in Castlebar and Newport, Co. Mayo; Roscommon Town; and Bunninadden, Co. Sligo. A further Hub is due to launch in Gort, Co. Galway in November, with additional locations in development.