Your Wellbeing, Your Way.
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI) is pleased to continue offering a range of wellbeing supports in 2026 for our members living with neuromuscular conditions, designed to recognise that wellbeing means different things to different people.
For some, wellbeing may mean improving strength, mobility, or confidence through guided movement. For others, it may be about practical nutrition advice, or support to make everyday life easier at home, school, work, or in the community.
That is why this programme offers three different areas of support, allowing members to choose what best suits their own needs, interests, and stage of life.
Delivered in partnership with Siel Bleu Ireland and Tús Nua Occupational Therapy Services, members can apply for one or more supports through a single application form. Delivery varies depending on the support selected, with sessions offered one-to-one either online or in person.
Supports are open to both adults and children living with a neuromuscular condition and there is no cost to members for participating in these supports.
For physical therapy and exercise-based supports, suitability for children will depend on age, stage of development, and ability to engage with guided instruction, as sessions are based on active participation.
1.Physical Therapy and Exercise Support
Delivered by Siel Bleu Ireland, this support focuses on helping members improve mobility, strength, flexibility, circulation, and overall physical wellbeing through safe, adapted movement.
Sessions may be delivered online or in-home, depending on location and availability, and are tailored to each individual participant. If the participant is a child, siblings are welcome to join in, and everyone can enjoy the activities together without the focus being solely on the child with the condition.
Support may include:
Tailored resistance and aerobic exercise
Joint mobilisation
Stretching to reduce stiffness and improve movement
Balance and coordination exercises
Injury rehabilitation support
Confidence-building around safe movement
For New Participants
New participants receive 12 one-to-one sessions either in their home or online.
Refresher Support
Members who have previously completed the programme may apply for up to 6refresher sessions if they feel they need support to rebuild motivation, restart exercises, or re-establish routines.
The intention is that members completing refresher sessions will then have the opportunity to move into an online group class, where they can continue exercising alongside other MDI members who have completed the programme and share similar experiences. Research shows that people are more likely to stick with activities when done in a group setting. This approach encourages longer-term participation, peer support, and continued confidence in movement.
2.Nutrition Support
Also delivered by Siel Bleu Ireland, nutrition support offers practical one-to-one guidance tailored to the needs of our members.
Nutrition can play an important role in supporting energy, muscle function, and general wellbeing, and advice is designed to be realistic and manageable in everyday life.
For New Participants
New participants will receive:
1 initial consultation and
A maximum of 5 further sessions
Note: all nutrition sessions are conducted online.
Follow-Up Support
Follow-up review sessions are also available for those who feel they would benefit from additional guidance after completing the programme (up to a maximum of 2 sessions).
3.Occupational Therapy Support
Delivered by Tús Nua Occupational Therapy Services, this mobile national service focuses on practical support to improve independence and participation in everyday life.
Support may be provided through home visits, school visits, workplace visits, or community settings, depending on need.
Occupational Therapy can support members in areas such as:
Mobility supports including seating and wheelchair advice
Accessibility at home, school, or work
Adaptive equipment for daily activities
Practical solutions for independence
Physical and mental wellbeing in everyday routines
How to Apply
A single application form is available, allowing members to select:
Physical Therapy & Exercise
Nutrition
Occupational Therapy
Follow-Up / Refresher Support for returning applicants
Submitting a form does not automatically guarantee a place, as places may be limited depending on demand and available capacity.