Sport Ireland Physical Activity for Health Evaluation Summary Report

Physical Activity for Health (PAfH) is a pilot initiative developed and administered by Sport Ireland and supported through funding from the Department of Health under Sláintecare and HSE Health & Wellbeing. The initiative was established to improve pathways between healthcare services and community-based physical activity opportunities for people living with chronic health conditions.

The programme is delivered through six Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) located in Longford, Limerick, Mayo, Waterford, Wexford, and Wicklow. Each participating LSP employs a dedicated Physical Activity for Health Officer (PAfHO) whose role is to strengthen links between healthcare services, community organisations, and physical activity providers. Through partnership working, programme development, referral and signposting pathways, and stakeholder engagement, the PAfHO role seeks to support individuals with chronic conditions to access and maintain participation in appropriate physical activity opportunities within their communities.

Since commencing in March 2023, the pilot has focused on developing sustainable and inclusive community-based programmes that align with national policy priorities, including Sláintecare and the National Physical Activity Framework. The initiative aims to support prevention, self-management, and integrated care by enabling individuals to engage in regular physical activity closer to home.

This evaluation summary report provides an overview of the implementation, reach, outcomes, and impact of the Physical Activity for Health initiative to date. It highlights the contribution of the programme to strengthening healthcare-community pathways, increasing access to physical activity opportunities, and supporting people living with chronic conditions to become more active and improve their health and wellbeing.

Click here to access the full evaluation.