HSE launch ‘better balance’ programme in Mayo

A new initiative aimed at enhancing strength and balance in older adults is set to kick off this April in Mayo. 

The ‘Staying Fit for the Future: Better Balance’ programme, funded by the Health and Wellbeing Division of HSE Community Healthcare West (CHW), is a collaborative effort between Mayo Sports Partnership, HSE Mayo Primary Care Physiotherapy Department and HSE Health and Wellbeing, CHW.

The Better Balance Pilot Project offers a structured ten-week programme consisting of once-weekly group exercise classes, designed to improve strength and balance while providing participants with motivational strategies for continued progress at home.

Designed by HSE Physiotherapists and led by Mayo Sports Partnership exercise instructors, these classes will include aerobic warm-ups and a series of exercises targeting key components necessary for maintaining independent movement.

Edel O’Malley, Physical Activity for Health Officer at Mayo Sports Partnership explained that the programme is ‘specifically tailored for adults who are independently mobile, have no history of falls and want to challenge and train their balance to stay fit for the future’.

"If you're unsure whether this programme is suitable for you, try a simple balance and strength test: cross your arms across your chest, stand on one leg, and close your eyes. If you find your balance isn't as steady as it once was, this class is for you,” she added.

The Better Balance Pilot Project will commence with six programmes delivered across community venues in the North Mayo HSE Community Healthcare Network, including Ballina, Belmullet, and Swinford. Following the pilot phase, the initiative aims to expand its reach to community halls and gyms throughout the county.

Speaking at the programmes’ launch, Ailish Houlihan, HSE Self-management Support Coordinator, said the Health and Wellbeing Division in Community Healthcare West is ‘delighted to support the roll-out of this preventative initiative’. 

She continued:“This programme will support adults to learn and practice strength and balance exercises so they can stay strong and steady on their feet, thereby helping them to maintain their independence and participation in society as they age.

_{Better Balance, train the trainer (Photo: Alison Laredo)}

Dave McGrath, Physiotherapy Manager, HSE Mayo Primary Care Physiotherapy Department said the initiative takes learning from the Cork HSE Primary Care Physiotherapy Department.

“The benefit of joining the dots between health services and sports partnerships to provide community-based programmes,” he said.

Also speaking about this new programme, Mayo Sports Partnership Head Charlie Lambert commented: “Mayo Sports Partnership is delighted to support this initiative through our Physical Activity for Health Officer Edel O Malley. 

“Collaboration is key in making projects like this a success and I would especially like to thank HSE Mayo Primary Care Physiotherapy Department, the HSE Health and Wellbeing Division and our colleagues in Cork Sports Partnership for all their help and advice in getting ‘Better Balance’ to our county,” he concluded.

For more information about the Better Balance programme and how to get involved, please contact Edel O’Malley at eomalley@mayococo.ie .