Exercise Meets Care: GP-Referral Exercise Programme in Blakestown

Fingal County Council, in partnership with ExWell Medical, has started a new ExWell Medical exercise rehabilitation programme in Blakestown. This initiative is supported through Healthy Ireland Sláintecare Healthy Communities funding, aimed at improving health and wellbeing in communities where health inequalities are most evident.

ExWell Medical is a not-for-profit social enterprise providing community-based clinical exercise programmes for people living with chronic illnesses. These programmes are safe, supervised, and tailored to help participants regain fitness, improve quality of life, and enjoy the social benefits of group activity. ExWell currently operates at other locations around Fingal and works closely with GPs and healthcare professionals to ensure participants receive the best possible support.

Cllr Ted Leddy, Acting Mayor of Fingal, who visited the programme commented: “I am delighted to see this programme come to Blakestown. It will make a real difference for people living with chronic conditions, giving them access to expert support and a welcoming community environment. This is what local health initiatives are all about—bringing care closer to the people who need it most.”

“Through Sláintecare Healthy Communities funding, we are creating opportunities for people to thrive and improve their wellbeing close to home. This new ExWell location in Blakestown represents a significant step in addressing health inequalities and supporting people to live healthier, more active lives,” said Aoife Sheridan, Senior Executive Officer, Fingal County Council. 

The Blakestown programme is GP referral-based, meaning individuals must be referred by a medical professional to participate. Following referral, participants undergo an induction and baseline assessment with an ExWell doctor before joining group classes. This ensures the programme is personalised and medically supervised.

Blakestown has been identified as one of the areas under the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme, which targets communities experiencing health inequalities. By introducing ExWell here, we aim to reduce barriers to health, promote physical activity, and support people living with long-term conditions.

Daniel Fagan, Director of Operations, ExWell Medical, “We’re delighted to link with Healthy Fingal to deliver this initiative. Our mission is to transform the lives of people living with the burden of chronic illness. Our programmes are designed not only to improve physical health but also to foster a sense of belonging and community. Being part of a group brings motivation, friendship, and joy—key ingredients for long-term wellbeing.”

If you or someone you know could benefit from ExWell, speak to your GP or healthcare provider about a referral. For more information, visit www.exwell.ie