Introducing Our New Wellbeing Programme with Siel Bleu

Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI) is delighted to launch a new pilot wellbeing programme in partnership with Siel Bleu Ireland, made possible through the Ollie Hickey Fund.

This unique initiative is designed for both children and adults living with neuromuscular conditions. It brings together a multidisciplinary team of physical trainers, physical therapists, and nutrition professionals, all focused on supporting participants to live well through safe, adapted, and personalised approaches to wellness.

Whether online or in person, each session is tailored to the individual, offering realistic and supportive ways to incorporate movement, nutrition, and wellbeing into everyday life.

What’s Involved?

1.      Physical Trainer – One-to-One (Online and In-Home Options)

Work directly with a qualified physical trainer to develop a personalised plan that supports your mobility, strength, circulation, and overall wellbeing. These sessions—available to both children and adults—can be delivered online or in your own home, depending on your location and availability. Any necessary exercise equipment will be brought to in-home sessions.

The programme includes a focus on tailored resistance and aerobic exercises to help build confidence, move safely, and stay motivated with an approach that fits into your lifestyle.

2.      Physical Trainer – Group Online Classes: ‘Siel Bleu at Home’

Join weekly online group sessions led by experienced physical trainers, designed specifically for people with neuromuscular conditions. These classes promote safe, guided movement and help prevent complications from inactivity. You'll benefit from adapted exercises that support circulation, strength, and joint health - plus a chance to connect with others on a similar journey.

Class Structure:

The group classes will be divided into three different types, each focusing on a particular aspect of movement and wellbeing:

• Strength & Balance

• Stretch & Mobility

• Seated Circuit

Each class is gentle, accessible, and designed to be inclusive of all abilities, helping you move in a way that feels good and works for your body.

3.      Physical Therapy (Online and In-Home Options)

Available for both children and adults, our physical therapy sessions offer gentle, low-impact exercise tailored to your needs and abilities. Delivered either online or in your home, these sessions focus on:

• Joint mobilisation

• Injury Rehabilitation

• Stretching to reduce stiffness and enhance movement

• Balance and coordination exercises

Physical therapy uses safe, adapted techniques to support mobility, manage discomfort, and help you move more freely in daily life.

4.      Nutrition – One-to-One Sessions (Online)

Nutrition plays a key role in maintaining energy, muscle function, and overall health. In these one-to-one online sessions, you’ll get expert guidance from nutrition professionals with experience supporting people with muscular dystrophy and related conditions.

Each participant will receive:

• An initial nutrition consultation, followed by

• Up to 3 tailored follow-up sessions

The advice is practical, supportive, and tailored - focusing on how to maintain a well-balanced diet that supports your lifestyle and condition.

About Siel Bleu Ireland

Siel Bleu Ireland is a social enterprise that delivers life-enhancing exercise programmes to older adults and people living with chronic conditions, with a mission to address key issues such as physical inactivity and inactive ageing. Their approach focuses on gentle, progressive movements that help participants build strength, improve confidence, and maintain independence—while minimising the risk of overexertion.

Through a collaborative, person-centred model, Siel Bleu Ireland works to transform attitudes toward physical activity, empowering individuals to live more fulfilling, active lives. Their partnership with Muscular Dystrophy Ireland reflects a shared commitment to bringing tailored, adapted exercise programmes to our members across Ireland—enhancing health, wellness, and quality of life for people living with neuromuscular conditions.

How to Get Involved

Interested in taking part? Here’s how:

• Complete the Application Form – here

• MDI will review your application

• You will be advised by MDI whether your application has been successful

• If approved, a member of the Siel Bleu team will contact you directly to arrange your sessions

• You’ll be asked to complete a short medical form and an initial assessment to help tailor your programme.

To help us measure the programme’s benefits, you’ll also take part in brief assessments at three stages:

• Pre-programme

• Mid-point

• End-programme

Sessions will be available from early May. We encourage early applications, as places are limited. Final applications will be accepted no later than 11th May.

Important Note: We expect high interest in this pilot, and unfortunately, not all applicants may be accommodated. However, we will maintain a waiting list, and we are actively working to secure additional funding to continue and expand the programme.

For any questions, feel free to reach out to Gillian at respite@mdi.ie