Evidence, stories and social value

Our Impact

Helping people move, belong and thrive

Mobilates exists because too many people with long-term health conditions, chronic pain, fatigue and disabilities are still being left out of exercise.

We provide accessible, adapted movement and community for people who have often been told exercise is important, but have not been given a safe, realistic or welcoming way to take part.

Mobilates member exercising with hand weights while seated on a bed.

Movement without shame or exclusion

Traditional fitness spaces often do not understand fluctuating symptoms, pain, fatigue, fear of injury, mobility aids, neurodivergence, access needs, financial barriers, or what it feels like to live in a body that does not always play by the rules.

Our work is about so much more than classes. It is about confidence, connection, hope, independence, symptom management and helping people feel proud of what their bodies CAN do.

For many members, this is the first class they have joined from bed, the first time adaptations have been built in without shame, and the first time they have found a community that gets it.

The difference we make

Our members tell us that Mobilates helps them move more confidently, feel less alone, and build habits that support everyday life.

89%

reported improved quality of life

85%

felt part of a community

79%

gained confidence taking part in exercise

72%

enhanced their mobility

55%

reported reduced symptoms

31%

reduced at least one medication or pain medication

What we delivered

Since 2024, Mobilates has supported hundreds of people through online classes, in-person sessions, community activities, specialist programmes and partner projects.

  • 428 people supported, with 165 engaging regularly
  • 22 longer programmes
  • 146 one-off events
  • 858 hours of classes
  • £524,745 estimated social value
  • £6.29 of value for every £1 invested

The real value is everyday

Someone joining from bed. Someone feeling brave enough to move again after years of fear. Someone reducing pain medication. Someone finding a community after feeling isolated for far too long.

“I finally feel like I belong.”

Why Mobilates works

Mobilates is designed by people who understand. Our teachers have living experience of long-term health conditions, disability, pain, fatigue or adapting movement around complex bodies.

  • Instructors with lived experience
  • Classes adapted to individual needs
  • Bed, chair, wheelchair, floor or standing options
  • Live, friendly and interactive sessions
  • A community of people who understand
  • A gentle focus on what bodies CAN do
  • Flexible and subsidised payment options
Collage of Mobilates members joining a live online movement class from home.

Hear from Da Mob

The people behind the impact

Our members share what Mobilates has meant for their movement, confidence, pain, fatigue, mental health and sense of belonging.

Member stories

Our beneficiary profiles show what can happen when people are met with safety, flexibility, kindness and proper adaptation.

Suzanne

“Now I walk around the house crutch-free completely.”

Lisa

“They taught me how to walk again. Without them, I don’t think I would be here.”

Maria

“Transformative is the perfect description.”

Maria is a pseudonym.

Our evidence base

We are committed to building a strong and honest evidence base around accessible movement, long-term health conditions and lived-experience-led support.

Some members completed their first wellbeing survey after attending Mobilates for months or years, so that first survey was not always a true starting point. We use that limitation to strengthen how we evaluate our work. Our reporting should be meaningful, transparent and useful, not just impressive.

Impact Report 2024-25

Our latest outcomes, delivery figures and social value in one accessible report.

Theory of Change

How lived-experience-led, accessible movement creates meaningful change for members.

Individual Beneficiary Portraits

Stories from Suzanne, Lisa and Maria showing the practical and emotional impact of safe, adapted movement. Maria is a pseudonym and identifying details are protected.

Beneficiary Thematic Portraits

UnLtd research exploring institutional dismissal, accessible movement, community, empowerment and wellbeing.

Accessible Exercise Showcase

Learning from our Wonford Accessible Exercise Showcase and its community impact.

Research Dissertation

Amy Emery’s 2023 MSc Public Health research into motivation following physical activity for people with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. This public copy has personal identifiers removed.

Awards and recognition

Recognition helps show that accessible and truly inclusive movement is needed, valued and worthy of investment.

Every Body Moves Club of the Year 2025

National recognition for Mobilates’ inclusive approach.

EDS UK Community Champions 2022

Recognised by Ehlers-Danlos Support UK for our community work.

Northern PoWEr Women Awards 2024

Nominee.

Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 2024

Nominee.

National Diversity Awards 2024

Nominee.

Mobilates in the press

Press coverage helps more people find us and helps decision-makers understand why accessible movement matters.

Living With Disability Magazine

Mobilates featured in the magazine’s disability and wellbeing coverage.

“My ligaments are like chewing gum”

Devon Live feature on living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

International Women's Day

Devon Live feature recognising women making a difference.

Find movement that works for your body

Join a welcoming community built around adaptation, choice and what your body CAN do.