Move into Wellbeing Marks One Year at Chiswick Health Centre
Charity expands faculty and prepares for summer events
Attendees enjoy a class held by the charity
May 22, 2026
Move into Wellbeing® (MiW), the Chiswick-based charity dedicated to supporting people with Parkinson’s and other mobility-restricting conditions, is celebrating a major milestone this summer as it marks one year of delivering classes at Chiswick Health Centre. The organisation is also expanding its specialist teaching faculty and preparing for a series of community appearances across June and August.
July 2026 will mark one year since MiW launched its weekly chair-based exercise class at Chiswick Health Centre on Dolman Road. The class, held every Thursday at 1pm, welcomes people living with a wide range of mobility challenges. Using professionally guided movement to music, the sessions are clinically proven to support strength, flexibility, balance and coordination, while also offering cognitive stimulation and social connection.
The classes are delivered by MiW’s experienced instructors and supported by volunteers, ensuring a safe, inclusive and uplifting environment for all participants.
To meet increasing demand for specialist neurological and mobility support, MiW has welcomed several new instructors to its teaching team.
Louise Cowley, a former primary school teacher with a background in Calisthenics Australia, Australian Drill Team and ISTD ballet, joined earlier this year and now teaches MiW classes at St Mary’s Osterley. Her personal connection to Parkinson’s through friends and neighbours fuels her commitment to the work.
Catherine Shaw joined MiW in July 2025, bringing decades of experience in community theatre and arts education. After completing the Laban Community Dance Leader programme in 1981, she built a career in performance and later lectured at Birkbeck University as Course Director and lead tutor. Following her own mobility challenges, she shifted her focus to communication and expression in movement, and now brings her expertise and enthusiasm to MiW classes.
Currently training with MiW is professional singer and vocal coach Rosie Williamson, a long-term Ballet4Life attendee. Her background in vocal health adds a new dimension to MiW’s approach, supporting breath control, posture, cognitive engagement and muscle toning.
The expanded faculty ensures MiW can continue delivering high-quality, tailored classes to people living with complex neurological conditions.
MiW will be out in the community this summer as part of the historic Green Days weekend, organised by St Michael and All Angels Church in Bedford Park. On Sunday 14 June, visitors will be able to meet MiW founder Donna Schoenherr and members of the volunteer team, learn more about the charity’s work and explore opportunities to get involved.
On Saturday 1 August at 4.30pm, MiW and its sister organisation Ballet4Life will host their annual Summer Showcase at St Peter’s Church Hall in Acton Green. The event will celebrate dance, music, friendship and community spirit, featuring performances from Ballet4Life students and MiW participants. The showcase will be followed by refreshments and a prize draw. Entry is free and open to all, with no booking required.
Move into Wellbeing was founded in 2014 by former professional dancer Donna Schoenherr, inspired by her father, who lived with Parkinson’s for 30 years. The charity honours his resilience and love of life, offering expertly devised classes created by Ballet4Life instructors. MiW is dedicated to improving physical mobility and enhancing the mental and emotional wellbeing of people living with Parkinson’s, ME, MS, dementia and other neurological conditions.
For any further information about MiW visit www.moveintowellbeing.org.uk or make contact by email on info@moveintowellbeing.org.uk.
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