Article Summary

• Webinar series showcased previous award-winning disability services using the Active Healthy Me programme to promote active, healthy lifestyles. 
• Programmes led to increased confidence, independence, and a shift from sedentary to active cultures. 
• Key approach: start small, set realistic goals, and empower service users to take the lead. 
• Strong community partnerships (sports clubs, education providers, local organisations) were central to success. 
• Full webinars for four ‘Initiative Categories’: Best Physical Activity Award, Best Community Engagement Strategy Award, Best Healthy Lifestyle Initiative and Best Outdoor Initiative Award. 
• Services highlighted the importance of creativity, inclusivity, and documenting impact. 

Following the announcement of the 2026 Active Disability Service Awards, we were delighted to host a webinar series highlighting previous award winners and exploring the impact of their innovative initiatives. 

During the series, we were joined by four disability day services who shared their journeys with the Active Healthy Me programme. They provided valuable insights into the application process and shared their energy and drive to bring innovative initiatives to their day services to encourage users to be active and lead healthier lifestyles. We watched stories unfold of service users gaining confidence, independence and the visible shift in culture – transforming from a sedentary to active lifestyle.  

The webinar panelists all encouraged fellow day services currently enrolled in the programme to reflect on the impact of their programmes and take the step to apply for the award.  

The Active Disability Service Awards will take place on Wednesday, 24th June at the Athlone Springs Hotel.

Closing date for submissions is 5pm Friday, 1st of May 2026. 

Webinar 1: Best Physical Activity Award  

Joining us for the first edition of our webinar series were Nicky and Colin, who discussed the impact of the Active Healthy Me Programme in Cumas New Ross, Co. Wexford. Winners of the Best Physical Activity Award at the 2024 Active Disability Service Awards, Nicky reflected on their three-year journey with the programme and the impact it has had across the Day Service. 

Growing confidence, setting realistic goals, and giving autonomy to service users emerged as key messages throughout the conversation. Nicky also shared a simple but powerful piece of advice: “Start small, don’t overthink it, and let individual service users take the lead.” 

The programme has kickstarted a wide range of activities, including greenway walks, tag rugby, and cycling, while also encouraging stronger links with local clubs and their local sports partnership. Reflecting on their experience, Nicky noted that “most clubs are built on inclusivity” and encouraged service users to get involved at a local level. 

The conversation also highlighted the creativity which the programme fosters. Nicky shared how incorporating music and physical activity led to karaoke nights to support social connection and build independence, which ultimately led to Colin closing out a lip-sync battle night at a local rugby club. 

An insightful conversation focused on practicality to start the series, showing how the programme and their award-winning initiative encouraged innovation and delivered real, everyday impact across Day Services in Ireland – exactly what the Active Disability Service Awards seek to recognise. 

Watch the full webinar:

 

Webinar 2: Best Community Engagement Strategy Award  

Joining us for the second webinar was Sarah Hewitt from St. Michael’s House, winners of the 2024 Best Community Engagement Strategy Award. Sarah shared how the Active Healthy Me programme transformed participation, confidence and community engagement within their service. 

From interactive health education, focused goal setting to Aquathons, 30-Day Challenges and community partnerships, Sarah outlines practical, adaptable ways to empower participants to take ownership of their health and wellbeing. 

The session highlighted how strong partnerships and structured support can open doors to new activities, build independence, and create a lasting impact. 

If you’re looking to strengthen health promotion and community engagement in your service, this webinar offers practical insights and real-world examples you can adapt to suit your own setting.  

Watch the full webinar:

 

Webinar 3: Best Healthy Lifestyle Initiative

In the third webinar of the series, we were joined by the 2024 Best Healthy Lifestyle Initiative winners from RehabCare Kerry – Blennerville. Joanna, Derek and Loretta shared their journey with Active Healthy Me and how it led to winning the award in 2024.   

Speaking about the application process, they encouraged day services to “take a step back” and recognise the impact of the initiatives already in place through the Active Healthy Me Programme. They highlighted their strong links with the Education Training Board (ETB), Munster Technological University (MTU) and the local community, which have helped integrate service users into their local community. Listeners were encouraged to log and document what they are already doing and to send in their application for the awards, with the key message being: you may be achieving far more than you realise.  

“It [Active Healthy Me Programme] was the missing link for the programmes here. We can actually take this as the nucleus of our programmes and relate all the other programmes around it.”  

The initiative began with a focus on nutrition and cooking classes to support independent living. It evolved from staff sourcing food to users growing their own produce in a sensory garden and using it to prepare meals. Alongside building nutritional knowledge and independence, users connected with their local garden centre, developing confidence through socialising and community integration. The programme expanded further to include computer classes, where users created digital menus and recipes, to build their digital literacy skills.  

From a staff perspective, the benefits of Active Healthy Me were also highlighted. It built practical skills and confidence in delivering the programme, while providing greater clarity to guide future development and plans for the day centre.    

What began as a focus on nutrition and cooking has grown into a wider cultural shift within the house towards a healthier, less regimented lifestyle, where activity and trying new programmes have become the norm. 

Watch the full webinar:

 

Webinar 4: Best Outdoor Initiative Award

Corlann in Ennis, Co. Clare were the 2024 winners of the Best Outdoor Initiative at the last Active Disability Ireland Service Awards. 

Through the Active Healthy Me programme, learners developed healthy habits, built confidence and and a culture of choosing more healthy habits. Learners also found a love for the outdoors, with Ben joining us online to share how the Streetwise Hikers Project has gone from strength to strength. We saw learners exploring local trails, talked about building friendships and how the initiative is helping learners become more active, independent and connected with their community.  

The initiative has also been a learning opportunity, with participants learning map reading, navigation, awareness of safety as well as being a social outlet.   

A great insight into creating a meaningful opportunity for service users and learning transferrable skills which encourage trying new things to be more focused on health, wellbeing and inclusion. 

Watch the full webinar:

 

Application process

Click the following link to find out more about the nomination process and submit your applications: https://activedisability.ie/applications-now-open-active-disability-service-awards-2026/